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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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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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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
I have had a BAT VK5i, N.E.W. preamp which is similiar to a Cary open style chassis, several CJ's, Sonic Frontiers, and Plinius CD-LAD (solid state). The Envoy sounds a little less tubey than the above mentioned but still has the that tube sweetness. The way I looked at it, if Jolida matches it with a set of $6000 monoblocs then it must be a decent preamp. I have 5751 GE triple mica black plates in place of the 12ax7's right now and GE's in place of the 12at7's. I tried the Mullards at7's but they were a bit dry for my tastes.
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hoopster OP
184 posts
 
I ended up with the TAD-150 Signature. I have been playing it for about a week. It was just economics, there are a few good used TADs out there and not many used Envoys. Sure would like to have had some comparison impressions though. So far I am really enjoying the TAD. What a SOUNDSTAGE this things throws. Can't say I hear anymore detail from the phono stage than the old Superphon pre I was using for a phono stage but it is quieter and blacker. Good enough to make me part with my beloved Forte F-44 pre and the aformentioned Superphon.
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