M&C - I'll add another vote for the Maryland, USA-based
JoLida. I have a 502B integrated bought new 12 year old.
This piece was my introduction to tubes and I liked it very
much from the beginning. Over time, I switched to KT88s and
some better small tubes; upgraded the power cord; lastly,
had it upgraded at the factory a few years ago. Price for
mods was very reasonable and yielded an additional
improvement to the sound. For me, this amp was something I
could grow with. Only reason not using it day to day now is
because I went to mono-blocks (also Chinese) for more power.
The Totem Forests not that efficient. Am toying with
getting a pair of the much more efficient Tekton Lores just
so I can run the Jolida. Not sure how a 2nd set of speakers
will go over domestically, however. Hopefully you'll be
able to visit a shop that carries the brand and get a listen
(and a look). Good luck.
Nonoise - do it, do it.
