To Former owners of Jolida JD 100

I bought a JD100 and returned it (Jolida offers a return option to its dealers, even if the dealer does not usually offer a return option). I A/B'd it with my Rotel RCD-02. The RCD-02 (see review at AA), is very clean sounding, with decent detail retrieval, good soundstaging, and very tight, somewhat extended bass. It's shortcomings are primarily digital artifacts, with too much glare in the upper-mid/lower treble range. It is not very forgiving of poorly mastered CDs. The Jolida sounded so similar to the Rotel that I could not justify the money spent, plus I would have given up HDCD decoding, which I value. At the time, I decided that my system lacked the ability to differentiate between CD players. At the time, my combo 2-channel/HT system was built around a Sherwood/Newcastle P965 pre-pro, which fed an Odyssey Audio HT3 amp, into Vandy 1C speakers and an older Def Tech sub. I decided I would have to upgrade the preamp. While keeping the Sherwood, I inserted a used C-J PV11 preamp for my 2-channel sources. The improvement was huge, but the Rotel CD player's shortcomings were still a problem. In any case, I won't be able to upgrade to a better CD player for a while. It is interesting that, IIRC, the RCD-02 and the JD-100 share the same Burr-Brown DAC. I know there are many differences between the players, but this DAC is a few years old. When I do upgrade, I will focus on CD players and DACs with newer chips, and chips from other chip-makers. Also, the concept that a well-designed discreet output stage trumps an output stage that uses op amps makes sense to me, so I will focus on gear that eschews op amps. Just MHO, YMMV!

I had the Jolida for over two years and loved it. But I replaced it with a TRL modified Sony DVD player. The Sony is more detailed w/o being in your face. It just has that realism that the Jolida couldn't manage. As much as I liked the Jolida, I wouldn't go back.

Oz

I had the JD100 and loved it as well. I noticed an improvement from tube rolling and from improved isolation. I didn't try different power cords. I have an all-tube system and I thought it had an analog-like tube sound to it. The only reason I sold it was because after I set up an Apple Airport Express, I found myself listening to my wireless music server more out of covenience, and finally, I decided to sell the JD100.

-Mark

i owned the jolida for a while. i tried all variety of tubes--12ax7, 12au7, 5751 and 12at7. the sound barely changed. it has no tube warmth. it sounds like a very transparent, unforgiving cd player.
Mrtennis (Threads | Answers)

Your ears must be terrible then.
I found it quite easy to tell differences when I owned mine. A friend of mine bought my GE black plates and he is amazed at the difference.

LOL, you tell 'em Sam! I could easily tell Tube and Powercord changes with mine as well.

After reading my above post I realize I was not kind enough to the Jolida. I enjoyed it very much and can heartily recommend one.

Aball summoned up its weaknesses well (everything at this price point and well above will have them). I would add that this player has plenty of attributes as well. Not the least of which is a magical ability with female vocals.