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Jolida JD9 Mk2 vs MS Phonomena II Phono Stage

New to analog / vinyl. Started with a Pro-Ject 1.3 and 651p, wanted to go deeper. Demoed an RP8 and RP3. Based on forum recommendations and threads discussing entry level options, I ended up with a Technics 1200 Mk2. I lucked out -- it has a known audiophile pedigree (not used for DJing) and even a couple mods. It was well taken care of!

So here I am. I'm looking for a good preamp match -- the 651p isn't quite cutting it. I can hear some of the background hiss on recordings. I've been eyeing the JD9 and the Phonomena II seem to be standouts in the $600 price point. Biggest difference are the tubes in the Jolida. The upgrade path on the Jolida is there too.

Cart is an Audio Technica AT120E/T.

Thoughts?
128x128martinman
6 responses Add your response
martinman's avatar
martinman OP
91 posts
 
Other tube options (lower cost) are the bottlehead reduction (seduction). There are some other DIY setups bugle2 and the more expensive cornet2.

Thoughts on any of these?
secretguy
1,573 posts
 
Seems odd. I have a 640 and it's dead quiet.
tbromgard
814 posts
 
I have used both JD9 and Phonomena, I prefer the Jolida. It can be upgraded and tweaked to much better performance than stock, plus you can tube roll. But you cant loose, both are very good.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
I too have an interest in these two phono preamps. So I look forward to anyone who has experience with them to keep their comments coming.

One question...Is there any benefit to having a tube based phono stage like the Jolida if your amp is Solid State? Or should I just stick with a SS phono stage like the Phonomena since I have no intention of switching my amp to tubes? Thanks.
martinman's avatar
martinman OP
91 posts
 
Secretguy: I messed with my setup -- sounds a bit better now. I think the hiss was a turn table issue. The 641 sounds pretty good now.

There seems to be a ~$400 and a $649 Jolina JD-9... (China and US product respectively). Apparently there was some family (?) dispute that lead to this, and of course a lawsuit.

Maybe ancient history to some on the forum:
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2005/0905/088.html
paul2240
22 posts
 
Very familiar with the JD9 and an assortment of other sub-$1K units. The JD9 is not really a pure tube phono preamp. You can really tweak the JD9. Some good NOS tubes, upgraded fuse and AC cord make a BIG difference. You can also change out resistors (little to no change in my unit), add some sorbothane, remove the tube protectors, upgrade the feet, etc., etc. I have tweaked mine pretty extensively and I can't seem to find anything better unless you start looking at some things that go for $2K or more. Obviously, I can only sample what I can find in the local shops in the SF East Bay area, so I have not demoed more than 5 or 6 units. But I am a big fan of the JD9 for the money and with some upgrades.
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