My Jolida JD100 mod VS Music Hall CD25 mod

I think what you hear is the difference between a moded SS (vs) a moded tube product. I don't think using different tubes will make a huge difference since the Jolida comes with upgraded NOS tubes. I'd be interested in what others more knowledgable than myself think!

I was in a similar situation. I had purchased a CD-25 level-1 modified from underwood last april. Sounded good, but was looking for something else. I purchased a JD-100 level-1 player (used) in December. I could tell there was potential in it, but the tubes (12ax7 Valvos) were creating a distortion I wasn't liking. After consulting with some folks here on A-gon, I bought a pair of Sylvania 5751 gold brand 3 mica grey plates for $65. What a difference! Now the Jolida sounds great, just what I was looking for. This was the player to invest in. So I sent the Jolida back to parts connexion for the level-2 upgrade and LC Audio XO3 clock. Currently breaking it in again after the mod.

I would highly recommend getting some quality 5751 tubes. You'll probably pay around $100 for a good NOS matched pair. Look for Sylvania, GE, RCA, 3 mica black plates. Check Joe's Tube Lore for a good read on the different 5751 options. You will keep the huge soundstage, and get the range and bass punch of the Music Hall. Plus, you'll find the middle more musical. I have been hoarding tubes and have several pair of 5751s now. I intend to keep this CD player for a long time.

I still have the Music Hall CD-25 and intend to keep it for my second system. I still like its sound as well, just not as much as the Jolida. The Music Hall is more exact, analytical, solid-state.

Feel free to contact me if you need any more info.

Rick

Thanks Lak
i know there are two levels of mods for the Jolida.There is one that costs $1240 and one that is around $1700 something.I think the more expensive one has the NOS tubes in it.I have the $1240 mod which i believe just has a matched pair of svetlanas in it.The more expensive mod has the NOS GE or RCA 12ax7 tubes.
I had heard that the Sylvania 5751 3Mica Black Plate Tubes are really nice but i can not find them anywhere.Even if i could i wonder if either of these tubes could do the trick for me.I Really like the sound of the player but would like it to do a bit more if it is possible.This is all new to me so any help is vastly appreciated !! : )

WOW Rick
you must of been posting at the same time as me : )
Thanks for that input !!!! Yeah i am going to have to try some of these 5751's.

I have owned the Jolida JD-100 for almost two years. It is an excellent CD player for the money, or even a lot more. Yes, the soundstage is huge and slightly diffuse, the edges of definition have been dulled just a wee bit, soundstaging is just a bit shy in the depth department but, the overall sound is immediate, engaging and immenently enjoyable.

Changing tubes in the Jolida provided different tilts and degrees of smoothness to the response spectrum but, it did not change the overall character of the sound. In the end I liked the stock Chinese tubes about as good as any others that I tried.

I have also recently auditioned a Musical Fidelity Trivista 21 dac in my home. Fed from a simple Pioneer DVD player the reproduced sound improved, or corrected, every perceived weakness of the Jolida. Definition was razor sharp, imaging was precise, the soundstage was deeper with pin point instrument and voice placement and, best of all, musicality was just as good as the Jolida (IMO, Jolida's strongest suit). So, if you are looking for that ideal combination of strengths found in the Jolida and MH players, by all means find a Trivisa 21 and audition it in your home (if at all possible) with a decent transport.