modified jolida 100, mh cd-25, or audio aero prima

From what I have learned/read Dan Wright does some fantastic work. I talked on the phone once with him and he is an absolute joy to converse with. Very knowledgable and he seems genuinly interested in YOUR needs.

Since I changed my ICs on my DAC (Transparent ML100s to Signalcable analog 2s) I am actually preferring CDs to SACDs. Note that my SACD player is somewhat lowend (Sony DVP-NS900v).

My train of thought currently is, either, improve redbook first and then SACD later, or do both at once. Maybe a Dan Wright modded Sony 999. But alas I cant decide. As a side note I have been told that Modwrights Sony 999 doesnt do 5.1 SACD(2 channel only) and thats something I dont want to lose.

So I am back once again considering the Jolida redbook player.

Ahh the joy of being addicted to audio.

I do believe the Music Hall 25 and Sony ES could be improved by tube output mods. It is obvious the ss crowd is coming to grips with their unit's shortcomings.

The Jolida, on the other hand, does not need modification. It's electronics were fine tuned, after the first manufacturing batch. I wouldn't want to disrupt the synergy of the Jolida's parts.

My last ss cdp was a wildly popular Sony ES. An acquaintance brought over his early model Jolida 601. We listened to a good cut firstly using the sony. Next, we tried the Jolida. I took the Sony back to Good Guys the next day.

It was night and day. The Sony gave its best impression of what music sounds like, but the Jolida brought the music to life.

The JD100 is a serious improvement over old Jolida models. During my ownership of one, it has proven structurally sound. As has been noted above, the magic truly happens when fitted with triple mica black plate 5751 tubes. I have been preaching thus for two years.

Muralman1,

How is the detail with the Jolida? Low level, etc.

Regards,

Matty, I'm glad you asked.

It may be because I skipped almost all concerts, or it may be the genes, but my hearing is unusually acute.

My speakers, Apogee Scintillas, are arguably the most sensitive transducers around. Their mid and hi ribbons utilize fifty feet of feather weight aluminum to waft waves up to and beyond our hearing. The Pass X600 amps that power the Scintillas are equal to the task of letting the detail through.

A friend brought over his Wadia to try. I have a cd disc featuring cathedral organ music. I can hear the stops being pulled, leather hinges working, the vaulted room reverberations, and the air hissing by the tiniest whistles, all the while the biggest pipes bellow.

This was all lost on the Wadia. The omissions were obvious in the first bars.

Detail isn't my biggest concern, though. I want musicality, accuracy, and aliveness. Most of all, I want a cdp that is completely unoffending.

Even though I wouldn't even consider modding my Jolida, go ahead, and get the MS 25 modded. Although I would go with Bill of Response Audio for that mod.

Muralman1,

Thnx for the response. The mod that Dan does on the CD25 is the RAM mod that he and Bill offer on new players.

Matty