" I currently have it connected to my Anthem MRX-310 receiver via the analog output. If I understand correctly, this way the D/A conversion is handled by the chip set in the Jolida and is passed through the receiver with little processing."
Correct, except that there's no "little" or "more" processing. If you use the analog outputs on your CD player, the signal was converted from digital to analog inside using the Jolida's dac. If you went digital out on your CD player, and sent the digital signal to your receiver, the Jolida would be used just as a transport, and the dac in your receiver would perform the digital to analog conversion.
" I swapped the stock tubes for a pair of GE triple mica black plate tubes which I purchased used. I think it was a slight but noticeable improvement. "
You need to give it some time. The more you listen, the more details you start to hear. Listening is a skill like any other, and it just needs to be developed. Also, if you decide to upgrade later on to components that are capable of showing more detail, the differences will be even bigger.
One piece of advice. Don't by anything unless you evaluate the product and hear the difference for yourself. If you take peoples advice when making your decision's (including mine), it becomes a very risky game. Use advice as a guide to where you feel you need to go, but don't act on any advice unless you verify it for yourself.
Correct, except that there's no "little" or "more" processing. If you use the analog outputs on your CD player, the signal was converted from digital to analog inside using the Jolida's dac. If you went digital out on your CD player, and sent the digital signal to your receiver, the Jolida would be used just as a transport, and the dac in your receiver would perform the digital to analog conversion.
" I swapped the stock tubes for a pair of GE triple mica black plate tubes which I purchased used. I think it was a slight but noticeable improvement. "
You need to give it some time. The more you listen, the more details you start to hear. Listening is a skill like any other, and it just needs to be developed. Also, if you decide to upgrade later on to components that are capable of showing more detail, the differences will be even bigger.
One piece of advice. Don't by anything unless you evaluate the product and hear the difference for yourself. If you take peoples advice when making your decision's (including mine), it becomes a very risky game. Use advice as a guide to where you feel you need to go, but don't act on any advice unless you verify it for yourself.