Which taps?


Hey everyone,

I inherited a Jolida SJ502A tube integrated from my uncle. This is my first ever tube component and I have been enjoying the experience with some speakers I have.

The Jolida has both 4 and 8 ohm taps. I have been using the 4 ohm taps for my Magnepan LRS and the 8 ohm taps for the other speakers rated for 8.

Along with the amp, he gave me a pair of early 1970s 15 ohm Rogers LS3/5As. Which taps should be used for these speakers? I know nothing about tubes and don't want to damage the amp or speakers.

Also, I have Harbeth speakers rated at 6 ohm. Does it matter which taps to use for these?

Thanks!

 

hleeid

Along with the amp, he gave me a pair of early 1970s 15 ohm Rogers LS3/5As. Which taps should be used for these speakers? I know nothing about tubes and don't want to damage the amp or speakers.

8 ohm. (It is closer to 15 ohms.)

Also, I have Harbeth speakers rated at 6 ohm. Does it matter which taps to use for these?

I would try both taps, there should not be a lot of difference, but sometimes one has more punch than the other.

the tap that sounds best, in this case most likely the higher. Research light loading tho IF you want to understand why 8 = 8 isn't always tge right sonic answer. You won’t hurt the amp.

Congrats on having fantastic gear and a better Uncle !,,

jim

Let your ears be the judge.  It won't hurt the amp or your speakers to try both taps.  With both of the tube amps I've owned, I found that I preferred the 4 ohm taps with most speakers I used, regardless of their rating.  Seemed to have more body.

Thanks for the responses! Happy to not be paranoid about this!

@big_greg - I noticed something similar with the 4 ohm taps. Texture, body, fullness seemed to be better.

Always wanted to try tube gear. This Jolida isn't really a high end amp but it has been great to listen to the difference in sonic character.

Bass seems to be a bit less controlled compared to using my SS amps.

But everything else seems really nice to listen to.