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Jolida Envoy Preamp

I would like to get some impressions from those of you familiar with this preamp. I am considering a tube preamp to replace my Forte f-44. I have a McCormack DNA-125 (stock), Arcam FMJ CD23, AR ES1 TT (modded) w Audioquesst PT9 arm and w/goldring 1012 cartridge (upgrading to a 1042 soon) using an old superphon revelation basic as the phono pre and Dynaudio Focus 220 speakers (transparent music wave ultra speaker cables and Tara 66 ICs-all stock pc). I need the phono stage but I also want a great pre for the $. My budget is $1000 give or take a few and I prefer used for value. I have been considering a Rogue Magnum 99 and some of the older AR or CJ preamps. Read a review that said the envoy is a giant killer basically. I like my system but I feel the need to try to warm it up a bit. I also am thinking of a tube buffer stage.
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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
I am not sure why Chazzbo responded to your post because its obvious he doesn't know anything about the Envoy. Sorry Chaz but why respond to a post talking about another preamp when he is asking about the Jolida.

I have the Envoy and I think it is a great preamp. How many preamps have a phono stage built in for less than $1500? To buy it alone would be what $500? I mainly listen to CD's and I would think you be hard pressed to find a preamp anywhere near its price range that sounds as good. I have owned several tubed preamps and the Jolida is a great bang for the buck.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I would also consider a well-kept Audible Illusions 3A to serve your needs.

Fernando
dwr
113 posts
 
I've got to agree with samzx12 here. I've owned an envoy preamp for a year and a half now and think it sounds great. I have telefunken smooth plate 12ax7 and mullard 12at7 tubes in it. I listen to probably 80% lp and 20% cd. The phono section in the envoy gives you many options for cartridges, I'm running a dynavector karrat 17d. I also agree with sam that you would be very hard pressed to find another tube pre NEW for 1500 that sounds as good and has the versitility of the phono section.

Dan
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hoopster OP
184 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. Chazzbo I think you are saying what I am thinking adding tubes into the equation at the preamp level makes the most sense to me. My experience with tubes is fairly limited. What I observe however is that the quickness and drive as well as the bass a SS state amp provide are missing with modestly priced tube amps but the mids and highs are so sweet. Hopefully a tubed pre will soften up my sound. While it is not grainy it is a bit cold especially on the cd side. Samzx and DWR, what other tubed preamps have you had in your systems and how do they compare to the Jolida? Flg2001, I have never heard the Audible Illusions but from everything I read it is also a very interesting possibility, but I am strongly considering the Jolida. Any other Envoy preamp owners out there? I would like to hear what you think good or bad about the Envoy.
denf
241 posts
 
Hoopster - you might also want to consider the T.A.D. 150 Signature preamp. Also has a very nice built-in phono stage, is an all tube design, sounds incredible and is usually less than $1300.

Check out owner feedback from the various threads here @'gon.
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