Which is better, Jolida or Cayin?

Very happy with my Cayin TA-30. Something about the circuit boards in the Jolida v. point-to-point wiring in the Cayin were a definite vote in my favor for the Cayin.

I was in the same position trying to decide between the Jolida 302b or Cayin
TA30 with no chance to listen to either one. I got the JD302b based on its
upgradeability and based on other people's experience with it. In your case if
you go with the Jolida I might consider the 302 stock version from
Underwood Hifi instead of the 202 and maybe upgrade later if you like to.
That also leaves some room for upgraded tubes. Partsconnexion has really
good recommendaions for tubes besides doing modifications to the Jolida
amps. Also I was fairly happy with the built quality which was appropriate for
the price and the balance control was a plus for me. Furthermore since the
Jolida is my first tube preamp I am very impressed on how quiet it is.

Another option to consider is the Prima Luna clone of the TA30 from Upscale
Audio which has auto biasing. This one got lots of good reviews in Europe
and the upgrades in the Prima Luna vs a stock TA30 seemed worthwile too.

Good luck.

Rene

I've had the modded ta-30 for about six months and so far have had good luck with it. I have really enjoyed the soundstage and presence the unit creates. Something else about the amp is that the pleasure of lower volume listening is enhanced. For some reason the previous SS amps I have had needed higher volume to hear what the music contained. The Cayin allows the music to come through at sound levels I can enjoy for hours without becoming fatigued.

Even the remote is made in extrusion aluminum. Have run mines for over a year now, not a single problem.

The Prima Luna stuff is really great sounding, IMO. I'd go that direction although I know first hand that Paul of Bizzy Bee finishes his products himself, the quality is quite good and he's an outstanding retailer offering personal support.