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Jolida 102b Speaker Recommendations

I recently acquired a Jolida 102b tube (EL84) integrated amp. Factory specs say it is 20 watts per channel, some say a bit less maybe 15 wpc. Looking to hear from anyone who has owned/heard this amp with speakers that were a good match for this amp. I have read that the Klipsch Heresy speakers are a good match. I would prefer to go with a vintage speaker if possible, but will consider anything used under about $500/pr. I am somewhat handy with speakers and can refoam drivers and upgrade crossovers. Thanks.
tube540
bbro
191 posts
 
I have heard this little amp with a pair of Sound Dynamics RTS-3 speakers and couldn't beleive the sound they produced. Harry Pearson (The Absolute Sound Editor) was smitten by this small low cost speaker saying it was the best little speaker he had ever heard.. You can pick up a pair of the RTS-3's for about $150 or less.
grinnell
661 posts
 
I have a 15 wpc EL84 Vista Audio have used Ref 3A de Capos which are amazing and a nice pair of Klipsch Quartets very similar to the forte/chorus but smaller.
acbc
38 posts
 
ESL's like Quad, and possibly Martin Logan's are good choices. Single (full range) drivers are something to look into, as well as a few Tannoy's.

Good luck.
johnsonwu
410 posts
 
Don't even think about Martin Logan's. they are as far from bring low power friendly as can be. Owned 3 pairs. Cls2z, sl3, aerius-I.
ckaschub
1 posts
 
I used a friend's Jolida tube amp with EL34's with Vandersteen 1b speakers for awhile a few years back. I was bowled over at how good that setup sounded. Soundstage, imaging, depth, tonal balance were all quite good. If I had not been in the middle of big time upgrading (and using the 1b's while waiting for some new speakers to come in), I could have lived with the 1b's and Jolida. Don't expect rock concert levels out of small speakers and a small tube amp. That ain't happening.
Hope this helps.
Cal
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