|
This combination provides the best sweetest warm sound I've ever heard. I recommend this great tube player and adding a Musical Fidelity X-10 V3 Tube Buffer to it (No it doesn't defeat the purpose of a tube CD player) which will make the sound absolutely incredible. If you do follow my recommendation, I'd also buy 2 inexpensive sets (same length) of Acoustic Research Performance Cables which too me give perfect neutral effect on the sound (Don't get a higher model of this brand).
My decision was 1) to spend around $600 for another tinny box made by BRAND X, with decent D/A converters and an OK transport, or 2) should I invest in this hulk of a box that is made like a WWII battleship, that has the great Burr Brown D/A converters, vacuum tubes, and the rock solid Phillips CDM transport system, and spend 50% more.I just couldn't resist the tubes however, considering my bright room.The music speaks for itself. different tubes that will craft the sound to your system and taste) if you so wish. By comparison to what I had, my bass is now punchy, my midrange has amazing presence (I can hear as they take breaths before they sing), and my highs reach the heavens without sounding shrilly. Not that this is necessary however, since this Jolida already comes with two Chinese 12AX7A vacuum tubes that will have a smoother, rounder sound that people using solid state amps would benefit from.No, this beauty is a real looker, may be a bit on the hefty side (that's the way I like 'em) and sings like there's no tomorrow. There is a warm, rounded sense to my system that I have never heard before, and I find that I can now sit and listen for hours without feeling like I just went 15 rounds with a prizefighter.Here's what the company says in their owner's manual: "The JD 100A Vacuum-tube Compact Disc Player combines the proven sound quality of vacuum tubes and the convenience of the digital format. Our design objectives are 1) Sound quality, 2) High standards of build quality and sound quality at a value price, and 3) a high level of reliability and long life."Oh, by the way, if you want, there are sites on the net that can "upgrade" your Jolida (e.g. When my old Sony CD player skipped out, I knew it was time to invest in a new player.
I searched the internet for reviews, and kept seeing how people kept calling the Jolida JD100 the best CD player out there for the money. Having a decent system with 2 NAD amps in mono, and a very bright room with hardwood floor, I searched for a *vacuum tube* design that would *mellow out* the harshness of the digital onslaught that made me run instead of sit and listen.There are not many choices for a tube CD player out there for under $1000. In fact I found approximately 3 or 4. She's built to withstand time, sounds beautiful now, and I'm told she sounds better after I break her in a little.I think it's love ; )
Turned to magnificent music. I recommend that buyer insists on either US, Yugoslav (US licence) or Russian makes though, as vital for particular conservative, dramatic, deep-down-reaching and noble relaxed kinda wide highs this piece is capable of. Factor 3 is of course the DAC/filtering/master clock circuit which is true multibit Burr Brown operated (of original inland US make). Unaccentuated too. Verdict: This model here features a fraction of oversea advertized price and then it's unique in true analog sound character which has more to do with live music at Bolshoi and Carnegie than with hi-tech and dated Soyuz Apollo space project.
Thus prepared info is then picked up by those magnificent valves I started with. That is very important. so - not to worry. As with any viable gear, correct mains plug phazing is important - which is also easy on JoLida. Reader may depend on these things and safely ignore minor factors like balanced XLR signal routing, cable choosing, mains filtering.
It is free of accursed alluminium responsable for naggy colourations with compromizing Hi-End manufacturers. The sample forwarded to my test lab (in High End Review periodical quarters) was furnished with Sovtek valves which is not necesserily a regular buyer's case since chinese valve suppliers are getting hyper active these days. This model is notable for old-fashioned weighty massive transport and chassis acting as stabilizers and resounding analog-sound shapers. On the market there are different hi-end players but not too many JoLidas with valve output. Though time passed since condacting the test - the US-based JoLida are here to stay and stick to approved of models for years with about no alterations introduced.
The remote alone could be used as a projectile to jeopardize tank armor. I have seen many claims that call this the best CD player under $2000. If I needed an expensive boat anchor, this would be it. In anycase the Jolida is unexpectedly mellow and fits fantastic into my higher frequency detailed system. I'm not going to bash Rega or NAD as I own and am fond of both for their other components. As great a unit this is, don't expect "too" much. The NAD just wasn't considered.
I feel the vacuum tubes give the Jolida sonic superiority over the other two. The Jolida was a toss up having no experience with this company, but I could not resist a hybrid design that included vacuum tubes. If you have a "harsher" amp the Jolida may very well mellow it out. I recommend it to any faithful music lover that does not want to spend a fortune and wants a quality unit that should last many years. Very soothing. The Rega was a wonderfully sounding CD player but awfully bright in my economy system (NAD C570 amp, Definitive 7000 speakers, and Straight Wire Sonata interconnects). The most impressive feature of the Jolida 100A is the rugged and durable build quality.
I listened to the Rega Planet first. The remote is machined chunk of black, anodized aluminium where the buttons holes have been drilled out and filled with ball bearings.very cool. When considering a new CD player I listened to three brands: Rega, NAD, and Jolida. I don't agree with that, but bottom line this is an awesome, if not the best value at $900 and I am better for have given it a go.
|
