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Need advice for my Jolida 302BRC


Hi all,

I want to get the most bang for my back with some modifications for my Jolida 302b. Should I:

(a) replace the stock tubes
or
(b) do one of the many upgrades available (factor, UnderwoodHiFi, etc)

I've been quite happy with the amp. What I would like to get out of the upgrade is more pronounced base, and I guess a little better defined soundstage.

Any ideas would be VERY, VERY appreciated.

Thanks -- Marty
martyw
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,319 posts
 
Martyw -
I've owned a JoLida 502B since 2001. I assume at least some of what I did will benefit your 302. Absolutely - upgrading the stock tubes is a place to start. I went to various KT88s in place of the Sovtek 6550s. Not sure what the 302B comes with stock. Talk to the folk at the TubeStore to get some ideas. I also upgraded the power cord and put in a HiFi Tuning Fuse. All these changes made a positive difference. My system is posted under Budget-minded so you will find additional details there. I recommend trying some of Herbie's AudioLab "Tenderfeet" underneath your amp. I found placement on a cutting board and better isolation seemed to tighten up the bass. Response Audio is another modder/upgrader to consider. Hope this helps.
soulbrass
246 posts
 
If you haven't seen this; a starting point...

http://www.themorgue.org/audio/jolida-302b/

Good luck!
trianglezerius's avatar
trianglezerius
119 posts
 
I have a modified 302b from www.hotrodaudiomods.com that i absolutely love.
jihley
74 posts
 
I had one of these and it sounded great. Here is what I did: I got more bang for my buck by upgrading the stock 12AX7's and the 12AT7 (I think)tubes with amperex or mullards first. Then I upgraded the stock power tubes (El34's) with Mullard reissues (bigger soundstage but the reissues had reliability issues so I was using the stock powertubes while looking for a deal or real Mullards when I was forced to sell the amp. I used this amp with Spendor small floorstanding speakers and I found it very enjoyable and non-fatiguing to listen to.
hanaleimike
125 posts
 
Hi Marty, I have the Jolida 502brc. Based on my experience, I would replace the tubes, and make sure you have adequate power, ie. decent power cord, no issues with electrical system. I just added four dedicated circuits, and while doing so we noticed that the neutral return going to the pole had frayed with only a few strands intact. I don't know if it was the neutral, the dedicated circuits or the whole panel update, but wow, what a difference. I am nervous about the mods myself. If you try new tubes and don't like them, you can always put the old ones back in.

Mike
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