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Upgrade Tube Integrated or Buy Separate Pre-amp?

My first taste of tubes came last year in my Jolida 202a integrated. I'm hooked for sure, and looking to upgrade and some point soon. The jolida sounds really good, however my concerns with it are the typical ones. These are mainly around clarity, ability to handle complex music/speed and bass. Simple girl/guitar music sounds incredible, as expected. Classical is decent. Rock is pretty much awful.

I am considering 2 upgrade paths: 1) Buy a used tube pre-amp and use with the jolida as a power amp or 2) sell the jolida and purchase a used higher up integrated (PL, Cayin, Rogue, etc).

Budget for a used a pre-amp is about $700, used integrated is about $1200.

In this price range (for used) are tube separates or a different integrated the way to go for value and sound?
meskandar
br3098
976 posts
 
I would suggest a different (and easy) test - try a different set of speakers. I like Triangle Comete speakers, but I doubt that anyone will describe them as bass slamming or ass kicking. They excel at exactly what you say they excel at: female voices and small instumental music.

Depending on your musical tastes, your room, your front end (analog or digital) and most importantly your ears; it's hard for any of us to conclusively advise you on how to proceed.

A new integrated amp - maybe. New speakers - maybe. Mod your Jolida - I would vote no. Any conversions will likely equal or exceed the value of the unit, and will severely lower the resale value. Better to replace, IMHO.
phaelon's avatar
phaelon
1,038 posts
 

A person asks for help with some restrictions, and in our eagerness to provide that help, in keeping with those restrictions, we sometimes dance around the truth.

"clarity, ability to handle complex music/speed and bass"

Those represent the nuts and bolts of what makes music sound like music to me. And so far, in my experience, real gains in those areas, and not just little finesse moves, have been achieved at significant expense. Again, just my experience.
meskandar OP
20 posts
 
Unfortunately my line of thinking falls along with what Phaelon said. I'm looking for a significant change, anything else to me just wouldn't be worth the expense/bother. I can roll tubes, upgrade my front end (Music Hall cdp and computer audio through Music Steeamer+), etc...but what I am really after might have to wait until I have more means.

I am thinking something along the lines of a Cary or Rogue integrated is sure to best the Jolida in all areas. This will be a large expense for me, but probably where I am heading.
phaelon's avatar
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
Meskandar, Whatever you decide, until you do, your time will be much better spent, out in the field, listening to as many systems as possible, instead of relying to heavily on these forums. Listen; discuss what you hear; listen some more; discuss... it's a process. It can be a lot of fun.
phaelon's avatar
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
Also, I think that you are showing good judgement in trying to avoid moves that might essentially prove to be lateral. Even buying used, over the long run, each move chips away at your finances, so that when a significant opportunity comes along, you might not be able to seize it.
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