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Jolida Fusion DAC/transport: opinions or other DAC/transport alternatives?

Hi all,
I've been looking for a CD player with a little future proofing thrown in (in the way of digital inputs). I have many CDs that I'd like to keep for critical listening sessions, but would like to run a USB or toslink from my imac for access to my digital library for convenience sake.

The Jolida Fusion DAC/transport caught my interested but I can find nothing in the way of information or reviews (save for one). I like the tube idea, but it's not mandatory. I've used a couple of Shanling tubed CD players in the past with good success.

Other player/DACS I've researched but ruled out include the Cambridge Audio Azur 851C, (most seem to agree this is a very analytical sound, and not one I would enjoy), and the Rega Saturn R. The Marantz SA8005 looks good on paper, but again, I've heard it's sound can be a little analytical and sterile.

I'd welcome recommendations for other units in the $2k or less range that can handle optical or USB in.
Thanks!
yakbob
mb1audio
151 posts
 
If you go with a tube dac because you're trying to fix something like brightness in your system, it almost never works. You first have to determine what's causing the problem. It could turn out to be the amp, preamp or speakers. Its best to deal with the problem component directly, than it is to buy other components to offset the short comings of the offender. Even if you do manage to get things right, upgrading is a nightmare.

A different approach would be to find components that are better at creating the correct timbre of the instruments on the recording. Because that's the real issue here. If the highs are bothering you, you have 3 basic choices. 1. Do nothing and suffer with it. 2. Try to cover up the problem with products like tubes and cables. 3. Eliminate the actual problem. Option 3 is the way to go.   
yakbob OP
162 posts
 
thanks for the input so far guys.
Mb1audio, it's not that I'm trying to fix something in my system with the possible addition of a tubed source, as much as avoid adding a component described as cold, thin, analytical, or providing hyper-detail.

I've run 2 tubed SACD players in the past (Shanling SCD-T200 and SCD-3000) and have had great synergy in my system with them. That's the main reason I've considered the Jolida (along with the digital inputs). My current disc spinner (McIntosh MCD-205) is a perfect fit, but lacks the digital inputs. Yes, I could simply add a DAC, but really want a 1-box solution as I'm running out of room in my rack.  Call it box downsizing. :-)

shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,333 posts
 
Disagree with your strategy. Get a separate DAC. Benchmark make a DAC that can also act as a preamplifier if you don't have enough inputs to select between a separate DAC versus your CD player analog out. Being neutral the Benchmark pre/DAC won't colour the output of your tubed CD player so you can keep enjoying what you have while adding the ability to play digital files.
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mesch
1,679 posts
 
I understand the desire to have a CD player with access to the internal DAC. Seems logical way to simplify a system and remove need for some cables. I own the Jolida Fusion preamp and enjoy it greatly however have no experience with this CD player therefore am not much help. Can you purchase with return privilege?  
yakbob OP
162 posts
 
I appreciate the input guys and realize the "right" thing to do is go with a separate outboard DAC, but have decided to take chance on the Yamaha CD-S2100 which will add SACD capability to my system. I still have a stack of SACDs around from my time with the Shanling units.

The Jolida looks like it offers nice performance for the dollar, but the Yamaha ticked a lot of boxes for my needs. I'll report back once I've had some time with it.
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