I also have a modded JD100. I still enjoy it, especially since I added Sylvania triple mica blackplates. I'm still transitioning into computer audio. Unfortunately there is no universal guide to computer audio that I know of, nothing to insure your results will trounce a cd player, even though it does happen for many computer audio setups.
Modded Jolida JD100 versus SB Titanium HD computer
Wanted to share some notes on these two sources. I used a CD in the Jolida and an exact rip of the CD on the computer:
1. Modded Jolida JD100 tubed CD player
2. Sound Blaster Titanium HD computer
Amplifier is a Parasound HCA1000, no pre-amp (Parasound has level controls), speakers Dynaudio Contour 1.3's.
I noticed quite a difference. I was hoping it would be virtually the same, maybe it is the same but it's my imagination? The Jolida sounded much less bright, the SB sounded "sparkly" in comparison. The SB also sounded anemic in the bass, while the Jolida had nice "fat" bass. Could this be due to the output impedance of the Jolida not matching the Parasound amp's inputs? The SB sounded more detailed, and crisp, while the Jolida sounded less detailed, less like I was listening to a CD, I would describe it as more "rounded". Female vocals sounded more pronounced on the Jolida, while on the SB they sounded slightly more recessed. I'm not sure which one I prefer at the moment, would love to prefer the computer as it would make CD swapping, etc, a non-issue since I would rip my CD collection on my computer. - Tony
1. Modded Jolida JD100 tubed CD player
2. Sound Blaster Titanium HD computer
Amplifier is a Parasound HCA1000, no pre-amp (Parasound has level controls), speakers Dynaudio Contour 1.3's.
I noticed quite a difference. I was hoping it would be virtually the same, maybe it is the same but it's my imagination? The Jolida sounded much less bright, the SB sounded "sparkly" in comparison. The SB also sounded anemic in the bass, while the Jolida had nice "fat" bass. Could this be due to the output impedance of the Jolida not matching the Parasound amp's inputs? The SB sounded more detailed, and crisp, while the Jolida sounded less detailed, less like I was listening to a CD, I would describe it as more "rounded". Female vocals sounded more pronounced on the Jolida, while on the SB they sounded slightly more recessed. I'm not sure which one I prefer at the moment, would love to prefer the computer as it would make CD swapping, etc, a non-issue since I would rip my CD collection on my computer. - Tony