Jolida JD302B - Speaker Choice

Matthew- I've owned a Jolida 302B and loved it. It really got me hooked on tubes and I'll never go back. That was some time ago. First thing I'd do is swap out those Chinese tubes if you have not done that already. You don't even need to spend a bundle to get a much better sound IMO. EH, JJ Tesla, or Svetlana EL34's will all make a significant improvement over the Chinese. I like the Tesla's best, but any of the three will be big bang for the $. If the JD100 comes with Chinese tubes in it swap those out right away too. Peter could probably steer you right there as he owns a JD100. They're 12AX7's aren't they? If so, I love NOS Tungsram's! Peter's recommendation for Silverline monitors was spot-on. The SR-17's would be outstanding with that amp for the music you described in a moderate sized room. If they are too much $ look at the SR11's or 12's though I don't have any direct experience they have had many good words here and elsewhere and are much less expensive. I owned a pair of SR17's and they are outstanding speakers....they will completely disappear, and put out lows that a box that small has no right to. OK still looking for something less expensive? Vintage Klipsch Heresy's or Forte II's would also rock your world. A bit more punchy and bright compared to Silverlines more refined warm sound. Among the Klipsch's strengths are wonderful clarity and imaging, though not quite as transparent as the Silverlines. The Forte's will go a bit lower, the Heresy's are a bit smaller. Both are great speakers for the money. Some folks don't like the horn sound, but I do love them with tubes. Sounds like you are putting together a nice system. The JD100 is supposed to be very nice as well.

Have fun!

Marco

I agree, the Siverlines would be worth looking into. I would also consider looking at Coincindent and also the Soliloquy line. Either the 5.0 bookshelf speaker or the 5.3 floor standing speaker.

Also,
I'd like to keep it under $600.
Thanks,
Matthew

Under $600 combined with tubes....biggest bang for those bucks would be a vintage set of Klipsch Heresy's or a pair of Forte II's, per my post above......IMO, of course.

Marco

You've got some great recommendations. If you're looking for $600 look at used goods and listen carefully to the posts here. As for my recommendations (I've got a 302B modded by Underwood HiFi) I would look at getting a bargain on the speaks and spend some money on tube rolling (assuming you don't want to send the amp out for modding right away). For me the biggest changes came when I rolled in a quad of Svetlana EL34s but then when I took out the 12AT7s and put in some NOS Mullard CV4024's and WOW how the soundstage opened up. Still looking for rolling in some different 12AX7s or equivalent. The Sylvanias I put it compressed the sound stage a bit and darkened things down in the amp. As for speaks: I currently driving B&W Matrix 805's without difficulty (not the most efficient speaker in the world) but I am replacing them with a pair of JMR Trentes. The smartest thing you can do is AUDITION speaks before your plunge. Even if it is off of a "similar" amp (meaning at least TUBE vs SS) listening is the only way to go. Likely you won't get an in-home demo of the speaks you want. But listen somewhere nonetheless.

Enjoy, the 302B is a relatively silent gem in the price range (IMHO).

F7