2. amps-preamps
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Jolida 302B/502B?

Hi,

I've recently decided to get into tube sound and have been told that Jolida is the way to go for a 2500 dollar system.

I am purchasing Spendor 3/5 (or 3/1) speakers when I find a good deal on them. I have tested them (with the 302B) and really like the airy midrange and smooth sound. I listen to classical, classic rock, and eclectic rock (less bass, more vocals). All of which I tested with this setup.

Now my question is: which amp would be better for my situation both musically and financially? Should I try and purchase one which is modded or not?

Also, I am looking at CD players and have been looking formost at the Jolida 100A. Is it worth it to buy the upgraded version? Why do people say you have to have the power supply replaced professionally?

I have pretty much decided on anticables for the speaker connection, but what would you recommend for interconnects?

I appreciate your help in advance.
jclarka
patrickachs
16 posts
 
I too, have the 302B along with the JD-100...I currently am running a pair of PSB Silvers with them and have just recently purchased a pair of Acoustic Zen Reference Matrix IC's...I just absolutely love the sound!! very detailed and involving...great synergy! I have them in a 16 X 22 room and believe me....the 302 has plenty of power! I don't really have any experience with any heavily modded units...the only mods I have done is some tube rolling and power cords....believe me you will notice a huge difference with a good PC...I have absolutely no interest in getting a sub for my system because there is plenty of bass....good luck!
jclarka OP
3 posts
 
Wow... you guys have been incredibly helpful. One last thing that I thought of after just reviewing your input:

Is it worth it to drop the extra few hundred to purchase the Spendor 3/1 or the 3/5 SE? Or is the 3/5 really all I would need for this setup?

Thanks
bojack
650 posts
 
I would try to hear both the 3/5 and 3/1 in your room for a comparison. My suspicion is that the 3/1 will have more bass warmth but will be very similar in terms of treble response, as they use the same Scan-Speak tweeter. I've had the 3/1 and the 3/1P (ported) and felt that the former, in a small room, was superior in terms of bass control. All three are fine speakers, and I can say that the hype over Spendors is well-deserved.
thelanes97
1 posts
 
I have the Spendor SP2/3e and Spendor Sub 3 with a Jolida 302b amp. My cd player is a chunk and I have it hooked up to the television so my placement is not ideal. That being said, the spendor and Jolida setup really is a great combination. You will need a nice cd player to get the most out of it. The Jolida CD player would fit the bill nicely. You could also try the music hall cd25 if you are running out of funds.

Having heard the Spendor 1/2e; 2/3e; 3/5 and 3/5se, I would recommend the 3/5 based on your room and budget considerations. They all get the midrange right, which is what drew me to them. Anyway, the spendors really hold their value so you can always sell them and upgrade to a larger pair when your room and budget permits.

The 3/5 has great bass for a speaker its size. But don't expect it (or any of the Spendors) to get low bass notes. If you are into rap or heavy bass you may feel like you are missing something. Otherwise you should be fine. You can have Jolida add a subwoofer output to the amp for less than $100. I would do it, if I were you. Its nice to have that flexibility if you upgrade down the road.

I also got the JD50 remote control volume unit. It was essential for using the spendors as a 2.1 home theater setup and it has a 2nd pre-amp output for adding a subwoofer (sub 3 in my case).
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