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Upgrade from Jolida JD-100A

I am using a Jolida JD-100A, and am trying to decide as to whether to have it modified, get another CDP, or go to a transport/DAC. After having recently gone from monoblocks to an integrated amp, I would prefer to maintain the convenience of a single box unit if possible.

What I love about the Jolida: very airy and transparent, non-fatiguing, engaging sound. I'm using NOS Mullard CV4004's, and Michael Wolff carbon cords, and with my SET amp and horns, Diana Krall sounds like she is in the room. On the more complex music (I listen to everything from jazz to heavy rock), it seems to lack low end control. It could have more authority over the separation of the frequencies, as well as better attack. In my non-audiophile speak, I would say that the player could simply 'dig deeper' to grab and round (resolve?) all of the notes.

I've heard a number of players that I loved, among them the Audio Aero Capitole (too expensive for me), and the Prima (wonderful player). The Resolution Audio Opus 21 was also fantastic, but I think that I'm going to have to stay below $1600. I can appreciate the utter perfection of the Audio Note players, and the Wadia's, but they are not airy and 'human' enough for my taste. In other words, I can with an analytical mind give them a five star rating, but they don't seduce me in the same way that the Jolida does, despite the fact that the Jolida lags in performance behind these other players.

Some considerations:
Muse Sig 9
Consonance 2.2
Audio Aero Prima
?? Transport + Bel Canto 2 DAC

Hopefully you fellow music lovers can offer suggestions of players I might consider. I would say finally that my ideal sound is one that most closely approximates the air, the space, and even the imperfections of the recording studio. I guess that's just the drummer in me.

Thank you for your help.
Howard
128x128boa2
crgolfer
24 posts
 
I also have been considering an upgrade to my Jolida. From my research it looks like one would have go an expensive unit such as a Simaudio Nova or Eclipse, Capitole, etc. to obtain a significant improvement. I am waiting to hear one of these pricey units in my system before making that investment.

You can get part of the way there with a few tweaks. One is changing the tubes to a black plate 3 mica version of the 5751 tube. See the following links for discussions on 12AX7 and 5751 tubes:
http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d.pl?audio/faq/joes-tubes.html#12AX7
http://www.nickdangerous.com/misc/mghead/

Another tweak is an isolation platform. Mine consists of a partly inflated bicycle inner tube under a plywood board and then three marbles on top of upside down catfood cans. The jolida partically floats on top of this system and the sound is improved in all areas.
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
CrGolfer,
Thank you for the suggestions. I appreciate it.
freakygreek
95 posts
 


Boa2,

I to have the JoLida also but with a level-2 mod. I've read such good reviews on the player that I bought the unit with the level-2 mod and I must say that I'm not disappointed at all. If your player already has dampening try increasing it by adding some underneath the top cover.

To get better base response try Crgolfer suggestion on using 3 mica blackplate 5751. I have RCA's 5751 blackplates and on some tracks I had to check to see if my sub was left on. I myself just started to experiment with isolation tweaks but right I'm using BDR cones MK4. Later I would like to see how a Sistrum SP-1 fairs or a Neuance shelf.

Once you've taken this player as far as it can go with upgrades/tweaks the next step in improvement would cost quite a bit a thought that I would have to consider very carefully.

Cheers
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
I bought an Audio Aero Prima, and I love it. Thank you for all of the valuable input.
maineiac
649 posts
 
Boa, you mentioned in your original post that the Jolida was open and non-fatiguing. How is your AAP comparing in that regard and overall what are your other impressions. I have not heard the AA Prima, but based on the "buzz" and your post, it seems like it is easily ahead of a stock Jolida. I was wondering how it might compare to a modded Jolida. They are the same ballpark price-wise. Thanks.
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