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Vincent PHO-8? Jolida JD-9A,? Phono Pre's $350-500

I have a Technics DD and Audio Technica AT150MLX. Current phono preamp is a Cambridge Audio 640P. Looking to upgrade for $350-500 IF it yields a significant improvement.

Candidates I've read about include the Vincent PHO-8 and the JoLiDa JD-9A (tubed) pre. The Jolida evidently responds well to tweaking--better tubes, tube ring dampers, chassis damping.

So... What do you like in this price range? Anybody with the Jolida? How about the Pro-ject Tube Box or Lehmann Black Cube, or something else I haven't heard of?

Or would I be better off saving my money toward a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum, which has a built-in phono stage?
johnnyb53
adam18
670 posts
 
For what it's worth, the built-in phono stage in my Rogue Audio Cronus gets along amazingly well with my Rega P3-24/Exact 2/TT-PSU analog front end. Wonderful music from my LP's.
johnnyb53 OP
3,510 posts
 
03-02-11: Catama
I have the Jolida JD9 with GE 5751 triple mica blackplate tubes in place of the stock 12AX7 tubes that came with it and have been very, very happy with it.
Hmmmm... I have a pair of those NOS GE 5751's lying around somewhere. I'll have to give the JD 9A some further consideration.
roggae
95 posts
 
I'd consider it for sure. Also, jolida has pretty good customer service. I've had good experience with them in the past.
johnnyb53 OP
3,510 posts
 
Well, that did it. I did a bit more reading and some calling around, and finally pulled the trigger on a Jolida JD 9A. Got a demo unit for some bucks off but still get factory warranty and free shipping. Yee-haw. It should be here next week.

Thanks to all the respondents. It seems there was a plurality of Jolida enthusiasts here. I had been considering a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II, but the deal-killer for me was that my cartridge (AT150MLX) wants to see a capacitive load of 100-200 pF, and no more. The Phonomena II only lets you select between 200 and 300 pF, which--when added to the 100 pF in the turntable cable--raises it too much. In this cartridge the higher cap. causes a rise in the high treble, which is the last thing I want.

So that finally tipped me for the Jolida. Now I gotta hunt down those GE 5751's. :)
johnnyb53 OP
3,510 posts
 
I just hunted down my 5751's. One was in the piano bench and the other was in my nightstand. They're not GE's, they're Sylvania Gold Brand. A vintage tube dealer I've bought from in the past has this to say about the Sylvania Gold Brand 5751's:

... Fine, early military type tubes with gold lettering on the glass. Among the best 5751 types ever made and, lately, huge audiophile demand is making these scarce. Try this legendary tube out while you can, as stocks are vanishing! SINGLE TUBES ARE $120.00.
I bought mine about a dozen years ago at a local NOS dealer (now long gone) for $10 ea.

Oooh, I can't wait 'til that Jolida JD 9A gets here.
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