I have made my purchase! After spending ALL of my free time over the last week perusing the internet for information and reviews, reading Stereophile and The Absolute Sound, I have purchased the following through Underwood HiFi:
JoLida JD302BRC Int Amp, new, stock
JoLida JD100 CDP, with level one mod
Wireworld Equinox 5² Interconnects
Wireworld Oasis 5² Speaker Cables
Reasons I decided on this system:
1. I just really wanted to try out a tubed amp.
I was very impressed by Wally Liederman. After describing my budget, and what components I was replacing and keeping, I told him I was leaning toward the JoLida JD1502RC Hybrid, or the JD502BRC, paired with the JD100 CDP. I told him how much I liked the sound of the vintage Scott amps when I was younger. I told him that I had listened to the SimAudio, Creek and PS Audio amps, and although impressed with their clarity, detail and soundstage, it was not the sound I was looking for. He could have led me to any of a good number of other amps that he carries, but he immediately recommended that I instead seriously consider the JoLida JD302BRC. He said he was very familiar with my Klipsch speakers model, and that this pairing would be much better than the other two, as it would better limit the brightness of the horn tweeter, and the fifty watt power output would be more than enough. He said the CD player would also be a fine match.
I also inquired about modding the two pieces. After the pricing was done including the level one modding, it was just outside my budget, and would not allow me to purchase a new rack for the new system. I said lets just go with modding the amp. He immediately recommended that I instead have the CDP modded if one or the other. It would be advantageous in that I should want the best possible source signal as the highest priority. If necessary, I could tube roll later with the amp. This made great sense to me.
2. I wanted to buy new for my first system.
Because of the initial cash outlay, having the piece of mind that comes with that 2 year warranty was a major factor.
3. I wanted modern components.
I strongly considered going the vintage H.H. Scott route, and it would have likely saved a good amount of money. However, I just balked at having something that old for my first foray above mid-fi, even if it did still play well or was rebuilt. Anyway, I still may purchase a Scott amp just for the pleasure of owning it in the not too distant future.
4. Highest quality at it's price point.
I had a very hard time finding negative reviews of this amp or CDP. It seemed every review basically said the same thing, "Is it the best sounding amp? No. Is it the best bang for the buck above the mid-fi level for new components? Yes." The CDP was also very well liked by reviewers and owner comments that I read.
I also read many positive comments on Wally Leiderman and Underwood HiFi.
I should have it here in a week or two.
