2. amps-preamps
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Upgrade Tube Integrated or Buy Separate Pre-amp?

My first taste of tubes came last year in my Jolida 202a integrated. I'm hooked for sure, and looking to upgrade and some point soon. The jolida sounds really good, however my concerns with it are the typical ones. These are mainly around clarity, ability to handle complex music/speed and bass. Simple girl/guitar music sounds incredible, as expected. Classical is decent. Rock is pretty much awful.

I am considering 2 upgrade paths: 1) Buy a used tube pre-amp and use with the jolida as a power amp or 2) sell the jolida and purchase a used higher up integrated (PL, Cayin, Rogue, etc).

Budget for a used a pre-amp is about $700, used integrated is about $1200.

In this price range (for used) are tube separates or a different integrated the way to go for value and sound?
meskandar
nolitan
865 posts
 
if you plan to keep the jolida, changing to better parts would definitely improve.
If not, suggest you purchase a better int amp.
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
"Can I get something that's a HUGE step up from the Jolida for $1500, or would I have to go higher for that to be a slam dunk?"

Nobody can answer that question for you Nolitan. Getting the best sound possible out of a system involves so many variables it's almost mind boggling. You might relocate your speakers and get the type of results your looking for. On that subject, matching your speakers with the correct amp is about as critical as it gets. If you want to play complex music, your amp must be able to provide power on demand, and some speakers are much more demanding than others.
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
I'm sorry Nolitan, my response was intended for Meskandar.
meskandar OP
19 posts
 
Very fair point on the speakers question. I am using Triangle Comete XS speakers on sand filled stands. I've had them for years and love them. They are easy to drive, very fast, and believe should be able to do what I want when paired with the right electronics.

I was told by several sources that these speakers match very well with EL34 based tube amps (part of why I bought the Jolida). They are a good match I believe...just not getting the goods on complex music.
detredwings
162 posts
 
Meskandar if you know someone who does a little soldering the mods are not difficult. Here is a link that shows what needs to be done. It's for a 302, the mod would be virtually the same. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=17354.0

If not see what a local tech would charge. I think Dave wrote the article a few years ago it was less than $120 in parts. More stuff could be added but it would get you most of the way there. You would probably be very happy.

Don't think about the preamp now. Just my advice. If you can have someone change the parts for you, it would be worth it. But if you need to send it in to have it done? You can also look for one that's modded to come up for sale.

The 302/502 are the same amps with different bias resistors. I have not looked at the 202 but I believe it is the same with different/smaller transformers? Good luck and as other said you won't know until you try.
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