2. amps-preamps
  3. 1236307147

to mod or not to mod my new tube amp?????

I asked this question before -- but want to take one more crack since I've had a hard time getting figuring this one out.....

I own a Jolida 302BRC bought last year. So far, all I have done is replace the power cord.

I would like a bigger sound, somewhat better soundstage, and a little more punch in the bass. Otherwise I love it.

For my budget. I have two options:
A.
(1) replace stock tube. I am thinking of (2) 12AX7 Mullard reissue
(2) 12AT7 RFT(1 quad) 6CA7 EH. This will cost around $150.

B.
I e-mailed Mike Allen at Jolida. He wrote back:

We can modify the amp for $200. Involves Hexfred diodes, fast recovery soft power up, ceramic resistors for the grid, highly stable and low noise probably the best you can get, and custom made coupling caps. You will still keep that great decay of the amp but you will see a jump up in the attack of the amp.

So, what do I do?!?!?!?!?! This is all very new to me and I could really use some advice.

Thanks -- Marty

We can modify the amp for $200. Involves Hexfred diodes, fast recovery soft power up, ceramic resistors for the grid, highly stable and low noise probably the best you can get, and custom made coupling caps. You will still keep that great decay of the amp but you will see a jump up in the attack of the amp.
martyw
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I don't believe you're going to realize the benefits you desire for the $200 mod (or perhaps any mod).

A modification generally increases resolution and lowers noise floor, which can increase the size of your image, however I'm dubious of a $200 mod.

IMO, you will get the results you want with a better amp speaker match, especially where bass is concerned.
riley804
628 posts
 
Wasnt basically the same question asked not to long ago?

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1235887175

Why not just start with the tubes first and see what improvement that gives you first...then modify later on if you feel the need to.
martyw OP
68 posts
 
Yea -- just starting to get cold feet about the tube upgrade. Hard to commit the money when I really don't know how the different options are going to sound.
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