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Jolida, Glass FX Tube DAC III vs Fusion DAC Pre

I am setting up a two channel system in a spare room in my new house. It will be 11 feet x 12 feet, carpeted. Most of my music is in digital (mp3, FLAC, etc) format. I plan on using my Windows computer as the "source". I may hook up a CD player or Phono at some point.

My amp will be a Parasound HCA-1500A, a solid state amp with 205 W/ch. This has more than enough power for the size room.

As far as speakers, I plan on going with bookshelfs, something in the $1500 range. I will probably look at something like the KEF LS-50s, Epos Elan 15, or something from Focal/JM Lab, PMC, PSB, B&W etc. Another option would be to steal the Meadowlark Kestrals from my home theater system.

The main question I have, is how to get the "music" from the digital source to the speakers. I don't want to spend more than about $1500 between PC out and AMP in.

All I really need is USB/Coax/SPDIF inputs, volume control, and RCA outs to the amp. I realize USB has a host of issues, so I would consider getting a USB/SPDIF converter such as the TeraLink X2, if that would help improve the sound.

I am leaning towards either the Jolida Glass FX Tube DAC III ($500), or the Jolida Fusion DAC Pre ($950). Is there a big difference in sound quality between the two? They use the same DACs and tubes. The Fusion adds Bluetooth, which I would use, and has more switching functionality. But as far as sound quality, can I get the Glass FX and put the extra 500 bucks toward the other components?

Glass FX + B&W PM1; or Fusion DAC Pre + B&W CM5?? These are the tradeoffs I am looking at.

Thanks if you read this far, I'd rather include more detail than less.

I listen to a mix of Jazz, Bluegrass, Classical, and everything else (Allison Krauss, Frank Zappa, Derek Trucks, Zakir Hussain, Art Blakey, Chris Thile, Joshua Redman, Kathleen Battle, Smashing Pumpkins...)
georgepv

Showing 3 responses by georgepv

georgepv OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for the response. I guess I thought that since the Glass FX can switch between three digital sources, it kind of functions like a preamp.

Is the volume control on the Glass FX just for the headphone output then?

What other preamp/dac combos can people recommend? I like what I see in the Musical Fidelity MS1DAC. I guess the Peachtree Nova/pre falls into that category too.

One last question, do I need to get a USB/SPDIF converter? I really can't justify spending $1,000 on a Audiophilleo 2, when I'm only going to spend that much on the pre/dac itself. If I'm only spending $1,000 on the pre/dac, can I just forget about the converter for now?
georgepv OP
5 posts
 
I am leaning heavily towards the Fusion DAC Pre. I like the Bluetooth feature, I want some tubes in my system, and I've always liked the looks of Jolida products.

My Parasound arrived and I have been using my Marantz SR6005 as a pre-amp, since I don't have a dedicated two channel system right now. So the Marantz is driving a B&W LCR 60 and surrounds, while the Parasound drives my mains. A 400-watt Klipsch sub rounds it out.

I have to say, my Meadowlark Kestrals seem to have more punch when driven by the Parasound than they did when using the Marantz. I am now thinking of keeping the Parasound as a HT amp, and getting a different amp for my two channel system.

Chrshanl37, let me know what speakers and amp you are using.

I haven't decided on speakers yet, but if I go with the Jolida/Parasound, I am leaning towards Focal Chorus 706, PSB Imagine B, B&W CM5, maybe reaching for the Harbeth P3ESR.

I have read great things about the KEF LS50, but I worry about how sensitive the speakers are with placement. The speakers will have a bay window behind them, I may have to put them close to the windows, etc.

Please let me know how you like the Jolida, and happy listening!
georgepv OP
5 posts
 
I ended up getting the Joilda Fusion Dac Pre, which I am using with the Parasound HCA-1500 and my Kestrals. It sounds incredible. Much more of an improvement than I was expecting. I was using the Marantz SR6005 as a pre-amp previously, and there is no comparison.

The soundstage and imaging are great. The detail and clarity are much better, without sounding analytical or fatiguing at all. If there is any weakness, I would say the bass is slightly subdued. But overall it sounds very musical. Guitars and mandolin have a midrange punch that just wasn't there before. I have heard several songs where I went "I don't remember hearing that before".

The bluetooth works great, no issues with either iPhone or Android. I am using the USB input from my computer. I have been using JRiver Media Center.

I got it with the Upgrade I from Jolida, with the better tubes and caps. Not sure how much of a difference this made as I didn't hear a before/after comparison.

The Marantz is now driving a new pair of B&W 683 in my home theater, which I am also very happy with!

Cliff notes: Joilda Fusion DAC Pre rocks, I give it 9/10, just because there is always something better out there.

Dan Crary just hit a low note on his custom Taylor guitar and I about fell out of my seat!
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