need advice, Jolida tube amp

cbl117
cbl117 Posts: 285
edited April 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
I need some advice from my fellow polkies. I've been bitten by the upgrade bug and want my system to be all tube (except the CDP). I've had my eye on the jolida int tube amps (mainly the 502b), but also considering the 302b.

My current rig is below. I want to sell my AVR630 and the A23 to buy a jolida 502b. Does this sound like a good idea? I'm open to all suggestions.

regards,
cbl
2 Channel

Vandersteen 3a Sigs
Music Reference RM-200
Hovland HP-100
VPI Scout w/ Benz Ace
Rotel RCD-1072
Cardas Golden Reference Speaker Cables
Cardas Golden Reference Interconnects
Cardas Golden Power Cords
PS Audio UPC-200HB
Black Diamond Racing Isolation
Post edited by cbl117 on
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Comments

  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited April 2007
    The 15's should perform OK with the 502. For me the 302 seems a little underpowered except for the quietest listeners. If you like really loud music you will not be happy unless you get speakers that are more efficient. It depends on the type of music you like too. Blues, jazz and acoustic would be a joy with the 502/15's but rock, rap, metal etc will make the amp sound taxed at reasonable volumes.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,899
    edited April 2007
    However, I would think that, power-wise, the 502B would do at least as good or better than the HK on any type of music. Meaning, the HK could possibly have similar limitations on certain types of music at certain volumes, all other things being equal.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited April 2007
    I had the 502B (even modded by Wally at Underwood). It just didn't cut the mustard with my AAD 2001 monitors (86db/8ohm). Now that I'm running a 220x2 ss amp they really sing. Teamed up w/ my tube pre & tube DAC, the combination is just remarkable. I would tend to think that the 502B might not be quite up to the task for powering your LSi15's for them to reach their true musical potential.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2007
    As a former owner of Jolida 502, it will easily power your 15's. The Jolida I had replaced an Odyssey Stratos (150 wpc) and had just as much juice, so you won't experience any power problems there.

    I think it's a great idea and the Jolida should significantly improve what you've got right now.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • cbl117
    cbl117 Posts: 285
    edited April 2007
    hey guys thanks for the comments. Dragon, I don't use the HK as an amp, just a pre. The A23 is the amp I use for the 15s.

    The WAF isn't too high with the jolida. I'm wondering if changing out the HK pre for a nice tube preamp and keeping the A23 is the way to go.

    Any suggestions for a tube preamp around $500? New or used and must have a remote.
    2 Channel

    Vandersteen 3a Sigs
    Music Reference RM-200
    Hovland HP-100
    VPI Scout w/ Benz Ace
    Rotel RCD-1072
    Cardas Golden Reference Speaker Cables
    Cardas Golden Reference Interconnects
    Cardas Golden Power Cords
    PS Audio UPC-200HB
    Black Diamond Racing Isolation
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter