2. amps-preamps
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Life beyond Jolida?

I have owned a 302b for a little over a year now and, having tube swapped out to achieve "as good as it gets" results with this stock unit, I am considering where to look next to improve detail, dynamic range and imaging. My qualifications for an upgraded tube integrated amp are:
- made in the USA
- all tube integrated design (Rogue, cj, Cary etc)
- minimum 40 WPC (driving Vandersteen 2Ce Sigs)

My local dealer is arranging for me to home audition a Rogue Cronus in the near future. I have listened to the now discontinued cj CAV50 and liked what I heard, but not through my own speakers/home.

What upgrade paths have other Jolida (or other entry level tube)owners taken in their journey up tube alley? What are your suggestions for high quality tube integrated amps?

Cheers and Happy New Year
Steve
stevecham
stevecham OP
3,340 posts
 
Thanks for all the great suggestions!

My sources for this system are Jolida JD100 cdp, Music Hall MMF7 table and stock cart. and Jolida tuner.
jclyle
35 posts
 
Give the Cronus a try. I picked one up over the weekend used & it is a excellent unit! I was using a mcintosh MA-6900 solid state integrated that was 200 wpc, and the Cronus at 55wpc is just as good, if not better. Right now im running the stock tubes and it is a very detailed yet smooth & easy on the ears. Id even consider buying one new for $1800
robm321
932 posts
 
I found an improvement with Antique Sound Lab, but that's built overseas, so...
restock
831 posts
 
Steve, I owned the Jolida 302b amp as well and went towards SET and more efficient speakers.

Before you upgrade: What tubes are you currently using? I did have significant improvements tube rolling. Otherwise I think you have to spend significantly more to improve on the Jolida.

Anyway, some things I considered before going the low power route:

AES Sixpacs
Quicksilver Monos
Rogue Audio

and I heard this one recently

Almarro A318B SEP amp - 18 Watts but incredible sound driving a pair of GMA Callistos which are a bit more sensitive than your Vandersteens though.

With best wishes,

Rene
jkaway
93 posts
 
Steve, Great thread for me as I also have Vandy 2Sigs and am thinking of upgrading from Prima Luna pro-2 (which was an upgrade from ASL ). My 3 candidates: Cary SLI-80, VAC Avatar Super and Manley Stingray.Can anyone comment on the differences in sound between these 3 ? The Avatar is way more money than the other 2.Is it that much better?
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