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

Showing 6 responses by phaelon

phaelon
1,038 posts
 
If the modification results in the amp being a keeper for you, Detredwings' advice might be spot on. I know people who have been very happy with Jolida mods. If however, you're seeking advice regarding the next step on the path to audio rapture, a modification is not advisable. It is very unlikely that you will see a reasonable return on your investment when you try to sell. Frankly, I don't understand the preamp into the Jolida rationale so I won't go there. More and more high end manufactures are building quality integrateds. If you're squeezing dollars, I would stay that course for the time being.
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.
phaelon
1,038 posts
 

A person asks for help with some restrictions, and in our eagerness to provide that help, in keeping with those restrictions, we sometimes dance around the truth.

"clarity, ability to handle complex music/speed and bass"

Those represent the nuts and bolts of what makes music sound like music to me. And so far, in my experience, real gains in those areas, and not just little finesse moves, have been achieved at significant expense. Again, just my experience.
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
Meskandar, Whatever you decide, until you do, your time will be much better spent, out in the field, listening to as many systems as possible, instead of relying to heavily on these forums. Listen; discuss what you hear; listen some more; discuss... it's a process. It can be a lot of fun.
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
Also, I think that you are showing good judgement in trying to avoid moves that might essentially prove to be lateral. Even buying used, over the long run, each move chips away at your finances, so that when a significant opportunity comes along, you might not be able to seize it.
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