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Jolida 102B - enough power for Smaller Advents?

I've got an old pair of Smaller Advent speakers that I'm planning on having restored (new foam, etc.). I'm currently looking at an amp to drive them, and thinking about going tube. Although I've never owned a tube power amp before, I'm familiar with the sound of tubes in recording equipment, and I think I would really enjoy a tube amp in my listening system. Based on what I've been reading, Jolida looks like the best deal in my pricerange (ca. $700). However, there doesn't seem to be a Jolida dealer in my area - all the "audiophile" shops around here seem to want to sell me a home theater receiver! Therefore, I haven't been able to audition the amplifier, and I haven't been able to figure out if it would adequately drive the Advents (via the 4 ohm taps, of course).
I don't need thunderous volume. Sources would be my Oppo universal player, and maybe a turntable (through an external phono preamp). I listen to classical, indie rock, and jazz, pretty much in that order. Thanks!
matyas
geraldm121
63 posts
 
How about the Jolida JD1501a Hybrid at 100watts per channel it should be adequate for your Advents and still give you a taste of tubes at a reasonable price. Most of the comments have been positive and it might be worth a look. I don't think you will be able to find a pure "tube" amp in your price range that will be able to drive your Advents unless you get a real deal on a used amp. But good luck in any case.

Regards,Jerry
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,059 posts
 
Matyas, I too just had the speakers lying around. I find them wildly inaccurate- about all they are good for is figuring out if I have the notes right :)

Unless you have very modest requirements (very small room, near-field listening, background music only, that sort of thing) you will not find a budget-minded tube amp to drive them. I recommend 60 watts as a good minimum, although my ST-70 is driving them OK. A set of Dyna MkIIIs might do the job, but if you find a set they will need to be rebuilt- that might cost you all of your budget right there!
matyas OP
9 posts
 
Jerry, I'm looking into the 1501. I don't know too much about hybrid amps, but that might be a good way to go. In the recording world hybrid gear tends to get slammed - things like hybrid microphone preamps usually don't run the tubes at full voltage and include the tubes more as a marketing device than an amplification device. However, I suspect things might be a little different with this beast - looks like it's not too different than using a tube preamp with an SS power amp. I've also seen some deals on the Jolida 502 - supposedly offers 60 watts. Could that (or a similar amp) do the trick?
geraldm121
63 posts
 
60 watts is probably marginal with the Advents but it could be ok depending on room size, listening levels etc. I would imagine price is still a factor but the 1501 and 1501RC already give you a option regarding renotes.
bbro
191 posts
 
I have a Jolida 102B and it is an amazing little amp for the price. I and a lot of my friends use it with the equally amazing (for the price)Sound Dynamics RTS -3 (now discontinued but used on Audigon for ~ $150-$200)in either a second system or in our shore or mountain house. Add a used sub like a Velodyne ULD 15 ($400) or maybe a REL Storm III ($800) and for about $1200-$1300 bucks total you have a system that will blow away a lot of high end systems.
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