Jolida JD502P
Ocezam
Posts: 52
I don't post on this forum much. Maybe with the purchase of my new LSiM705s that will change some. In any event I thought I'd post about my recent purchase of two Jolida JD502Ps...
For the last several years, I've had my "toes in the water" of the tube world by using tube preamps with SS power amps. I'd spent a few months early this year looking to get into tube power amps for a budget price. I knew from the outset I didn’t want to end up with low powered amps that would force me to only consider high efficiency speakers. Who knows what speakers will strike my fancy in the future? I’d like to be able to drive most speakers. I settled on a self imposed lower limit of about 100w per channel.
I had been looking, and listening, to the Rogue Audio Atlas 100W/channel stereo power amp. I got to talking to Walter Leiderman, the owner of Underwood HiFi online, who sells both brands and he suggested I look at a pair of upgraded Jolida JD502Ps for about the same money. After a week of talking to Michael Allen, President of Jolida, I decided to order the customized amps.
CLICK PICTURE
This is my pair of Jolida 502P power amps. In their stock form they are 60 watt per channel stereo amps. These have been factory modded. In this current form, running bridged (usually referred to as "paralleled" with tube amps) they are 140 watt monoblocks. At the factory they have been upgraded with Hexfred Diodes, ceramic composite resistors and custom coupling caps. I also ordered them without the 6550 (KT88) output tubes they normally come with so I could install my own KT120 output tubes. I bought this pair for $1740 brand new shipped to my home, and have about $340 into the eight KT120’s.
I decided on the KT120 power tubes after a lot of reading on the internet. These tubes are said to be extremely reliable and powerful. These are the tubes Bob Carver uses in his Black Beauty 305. These are, to my knowledge, the only power tube designed in the 21st century, and were designed specifically for audio amps. Tung Sol is the only manufacturer of the KT120, and they are built in Russia. Each amp also has a pair of 12AT7 Electro-Harmonix and a pair of 12AX7 Tung Sol preamp tubes.
I’m quite impressed with the build quality of these amps. They are not in the same league as the much more expensive Carver’s. They have circuit boards not point to point wiring, and they appear to be of stout build. Jolida designs their products in Maryland, has the sub components built in China, and final assembly and any customization is done in Maryland.
So how do they sound? Well as I expected they compare favorably to the Red Dragon Audio M500’s I just sold. Those were the most tube sounding solid state amps I’ve ever owned. By most accounts the Jolida 502 has a "modern" tube sound. Which is to say, not overly tube like, and I agree with that sentiment. The KT120s are known as powerfull, tight tubes, producing good bass.
In a nut shell, the Jolidas have a slight bit of that “tubey” mid range bloom. They have a bit more air between instruments and singers. The Jolidas are very dynamic and accurate for tube amps. Although the bass on the Red Dragons was a slightly tighter, the Jolidas produce strong full toned bass. My current speakers, Polk LSi15s are 88db 4 ohm. These amps drive them very well. Having owned Magnepans in the past, I believe these would do well on them also. At least holding there own compared to other budget tube amps.
Since some of the pics were taken, I've sold the Xiang Sheng tube preamp I had. At the moment, I'm just using my DAC as a preamp and I'm not sure if I'll get another preamp or not.
Here's a few pics;
For the last several years, I've had my "toes in the water" of the tube world by using tube preamps with SS power amps. I'd spent a few months early this year looking to get into tube power amps for a budget price. I knew from the outset I didn’t want to end up with low powered amps that would force me to only consider high efficiency speakers. Who knows what speakers will strike my fancy in the future? I’d like to be able to drive most speakers. I settled on a self imposed lower limit of about 100w per channel.
I had been looking, and listening, to the Rogue Audio Atlas 100W/channel stereo power amp. I got to talking to Walter Leiderman, the owner of Underwood HiFi online, who sells both brands and he suggested I look at a pair of upgraded Jolida JD502Ps for about the same money. After a week of talking to Michael Allen, President of Jolida, I decided to order the customized amps.
CLICK PICTURE
This is my pair of Jolida 502P power amps. In their stock form they are 60 watt per channel stereo amps. These have been factory modded. In this current form, running bridged (usually referred to as "paralleled" with tube amps) they are 140 watt monoblocks. At the factory they have been upgraded with Hexfred Diodes, ceramic composite resistors and custom coupling caps. I also ordered them without the 6550 (KT88) output tubes they normally come with so I could install my own KT120 output tubes. I bought this pair for $1740 brand new shipped to my home, and have about $340 into the eight KT120’s.
I decided on the KT120 power tubes after a lot of reading on the internet. These tubes are said to be extremely reliable and powerful. These are the tubes Bob Carver uses in his Black Beauty 305. These are, to my knowledge, the only power tube designed in the 21st century, and were designed specifically for audio amps. Tung Sol is the only manufacturer of the KT120, and they are built in Russia. Each amp also has a pair of 12AT7 Electro-Harmonix and a pair of 12AX7 Tung Sol preamp tubes.
I’m quite impressed with the build quality of these amps. They are not in the same league as the much more expensive Carver’s. They have circuit boards not point to point wiring, and they appear to be of stout build. Jolida designs their products in Maryland, has the sub components built in China, and final assembly and any customization is done in Maryland.
So how do they sound? Well as I expected they compare favorably to the Red Dragon Audio M500’s I just sold. Those were the most tube sounding solid state amps I’ve ever owned. By most accounts the Jolida 502 has a "modern" tube sound. Which is to say, not overly tube like, and I agree with that sentiment. The KT120s are known as powerfull, tight tubes, producing good bass.
In a nut shell, the Jolidas have a slight bit of that “tubey” mid range bloom. They have a bit more air between instruments and singers. The Jolidas are very dynamic and accurate for tube amps. Although the bass on the Red Dragons was a slightly tighter, the Jolidas produce strong full toned bass. My current speakers, Polk LSi15s are 88db 4 ohm. These amps drive them very well. Having owned Magnepans in the past, I believe these would do well on them also. At least holding there own compared to other budget tube amps.
Since some of the pics were taken, I've sold the Xiang Sheng tube preamp I had. At the moment, I'm just using my DAC as a preamp and I'm not sure if I'll get another preamp or not.
Here's a few pics;
"The ear is not a microphone, the brain is not a tape recorder, and measurements are limited in describing subjective quality." Nelson Pass
2 Channel:
XDA-2, Modified Jolida JD502P (2 ea), Polk LSiM705
Theater:
Onkyo TX-NR3009 with 9 active channels, Emotiva XPA-5, MartinLogan Encore TF Center Channel, Polk M70 Mains, M40 Wides, M30 Heights, FXi A4 Surrounds, Custom built 18" sub, Mitsu 73" DLP
2 Channel:
XDA-2, Modified Jolida JD502P (2 ea), Polk LSiM705
Theater:
Onkyo TX-NR3009 with 9 active channels, Emotiva XPA-5, MartinLogan Encore TF Center Channel, Polk M70 Mains, M40 Wides, M30 Heights, FXi A4 Surrounds, Custom built 18" sub, Mitsu 73" DLP
Post edited by Ocezam on
Comments
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Nice post, Ocezam. You should post more often. Congrat's on the newest acquisition!
Tom~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
Sweet amps and nice set-up! Tubes rule!
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Really nice to see and read about these!
I currently also have Lsi-15's and am upgrading to the M705's. I'd sure love to hear something about how your beauties do with the upgrade.
Enjoy!“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
- Isaac Asimov
Hi-Fi
Apple Lossless --> Squeezebox Touch --> Joule Electra LA-100 Mark iii --> Odyssey Khartargo Mono Plus --> LSiM-705's
Cabling by Groneberg
Visuals
https://media.illinois.edu/journalism/ledford-charles-stretch
bit.ly/stretchonphotojournalism
http://Vimeo.com/channels/stretchphoto -
Yep those look good ...BUT those mini guitar's and drum kit are the bomb. Where did you get those?
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Really nice to see and read about these! I currently also have Lsi-15's and am upgrading to the M705's. I'd sure love to hear something about how your beauties do with the upgrade.
Yeah, I'll post my thoughts on the LSi to LSiM swap.Yep those look good ...BUT those mini guitar's and drum kit are the bomb. Where did you get those?
Most of them from Axe Heaven if I remember correctly. They're all over the net really. The guitars are all replicas. In the first picture from left to right they are:
Willie Nelson
Keith richards
Brian May
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Eddie Van Halen
Carlos Santana
Google "Mini Miniature Drum Kit" and "Mini Miniature Guitar". There's a bunch on eBay too."The ear is not a microphone, the brain is not a tape recorder, and measurements are limited in describing subjective quality." Nelson Pass
2 Channel:
XDA-2, Modified Jolida JD502P (2 ea), Polk LSiM705
Theater:
Onkyo TX-NR3009 with 9 active channels, Emotiva XPA-5, MartinLogan Encore TF Center Channel, Polk M70 Mains, M40 Wides, M30 Heights, FXi A4 Surrounds, Custom built 18" sub, Mitsu 73" DLP -
Yep those look good ...BUT those mini guitar's and drum kit are the bomb. Where did you get those?
Very nice, are they expensive??Pio Elete Pro 520
Panamax 5400-EX
Sunfire TGP 5
Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
PS Audio GCPH phono pre
Sunfire CG 200 X 5
Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
OPPO BDP-83 SE
SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
Ctr CS1000p
Sur - FX1000 x 4
SUB - SVS PB2-Plus
Workkout room:
Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
Onkyo TX-DS898
GFA 555
Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
Ft - SDA 1C
Not being used:
RTi 38's -4
RT55i's - 2
RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
LSI 15's
CSi40
PSW 404 -
Nice post, Ocezam. You should post more often.
Thanks. This forum can be brutal when a few members decide they don't like your gear. I got turned off a year or two ago. Maybe I'll give it another whirl..."The ear is not a microphone, the brain is not a tape recorder, and measurements are limited in describing subjective quality." Nelson Pass
2 Channel:
XDA-2, Modified Jolida JD502P (2 ea), Polk LSiM705
Theater:
Onkyo TX-NR3009 with 9 active channels, Emotiva XPA-5, MartinLogan Encore TF Center Channel, Polk M70 Mains, M40 Wides, M30 Heights, FXi A4 Surrounds, Custom built 18" sub, Mitsu 73" DLP -
Very nice, are they expensive??
The Guitars were $20 to $40, and Drums about $70 if I remember correctly."The ear is not a microphone, the brain is not a tape recorder, and measurements are limited in describing subjective quality." Nelson Pass
2 Channel:
XDA-2, Modified Jolida JD502P (2 ea), Polk LSiM705
Theater:
Onkyo TX-NR3009 with 9 active channels, Emotiva XPA-5, MartinLogan Encore TF Center Channel, Polk M70 Mains, M40 Wides, M30 Heights, FXi A4 Surrounds, Custom built 18" sub, Mitsu 73" DLP -
Thanks. This forum can be brutal when a few members decide they don't like your gear. I got turned off a year or two ago. Maybe I'll give it another whirl...
Dude who the heck cares if someone does not like your gear. Its your gear for your ears and if your ears like then that is all that matters. Tell'em to go pound sand!
by the way that Emotiva XPA5 is just JUNK I'll send you shipping money to send it my way so I can dispose of it properly as hazardous waste should be :eek:
i joke -
Congrats. That is a great setup.
I also really love the replica Bonham drum kit (as well as replica guitars).
If you do not mind me asking, where did you get the replica Bonham drum kit?
That is very cool.
Enjoy your awesome system! -
The Guitars were $20 to $40, and Drums about $70 if I remember correctly.
well that is more than Willies actual full sized guitar is actually worth :cheesygrin: -
Dude who the heck cares if someone does not like your gear. Its your gear for your ears and if your ears like then that is all that matters. Tell'em to go pound sand!
Actually, I don't care if people like my gear. But I don't want to hang around loud mouthed bullies either.
I'll see how the future goes..."The ear is not a microphone, the brain is not a tape recorder, and measurements are limited in describing subjective quality." Nelson Pass
2 Channel:
XDA-2, Modified Jolida JD502P (2 ea), Polk LSiM705
Theater:
Onkyo TX-NR3009 with 9 active channels, Emotiva XPA-5, MartinLogan Encore TF Center Channel, Polk M70 Mains, M40 Wides, M30 Heights, FXi A4 Surrounds, Custom built 18" sub, Mitsu 73" DLP -
I also really love the replica Bonham drum kit (as well as replica guitars).
If you do not mind me asking, where did you get the replica Bonham drum kit?
Got that at Axe Heaven:
http://axeheaven.com/tagged/john-bonham-mini-drum-set/
It's actually not a replica as in, Bonhan never owned a kit like this. It's a "tribute", meaning a generic kit with Bonham's symbol/logo on it."The ear is not a microphone, the brain is not a tape recorder, and measurements are limited in describing subjective quality." Nelson Pass
2 Channel:
XDA-2, Modified Jolida JD502P (2 ea), Polk LSiM705
Theater:
Onkyo TX-NR3009 with 9 active channels, Emotiva XPA-5, MartinLogan Encore TF Center Channel, Polk M70 Mains, M40 Wides, M30 Heights, FXi A4 Surrounds, Custom built 18" sub, Mitsu 73" DLP -
Congrats. Jolida equipment is pretty darned good. I ought to know; running some myself. But you're running an awful lot of tube power there. Should be pretty awesome. I find my 50 watts x 2 more than adequate for the SDAs and JBLs that I run on it.
With the right tubes in there these amps can compete with those worth two or three times their asking price. Should be a "killer" system with some new LSi-M towers!
And as far as people dumping on others because of their gear. That really is the exception rather than the rule. And my suggestion is just take two aspirins, get a good night of sleep and you'll be ready to go again in the morning. You can't take everything on this site seriously or you'd be hospitalized. lol
Enjoy! And if you're up to it, give us a "review" when you're ready!
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
Really great rig! I wish I could hear it one day.
Like others, I also compliment you on your choice of "ornamentation." Very nice miniatures.
Looking forward to further write ups about the sound of your system with the new amps.Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.
Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One. -
Nice amps - would love to hear 'em. 140 watts per mono block sounds like a gracious plenty! Hope you write a review."Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
