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Life beyond Jolida?

I have owned a 302b for a little over a year now and, having tube swapped out to achieve "as good as it gets" results with this stock unit, I am considering where to look next to improve detail, dynamic range and imaging. My qualifications for an upgraded tube integrated amp are:
- made in the USA
- all tube integrated design (Rogue, cj, Cary etc)
- minimum 40 WPC (driving Vandersteen 2Ce Sigs)

My local dealer is arranging for me to home audition a Rogue Cronus in the near future. I have listened to the now discontinued cj CAV50 and liked what I heard, but not through my own speakers/home.

What upgrade paths have other Jolida (or other entry level tube)owners taken in their journey up tube alley? What are your suggestions for high quality tube integrated amps?

Cheers and Happy New Year
Steve
stevecham
jclyle
35 posts
 
Give the Cronus a try. I picked one up over the weekend used & it is a excellent unit! I was using a mcintosh MA-6900 solid state integrated that was 200 wpc, and the Cronus at 55wpc is just as good, if not better. Right now im running the stock tubes and it is a very detailed yet smooth & easy on the ears. Id even consider buying one new for $1800
robm321
932 posts
 
I found an improvement with Antique Sound Lab, but that's built overseas, so...
restock
831 posts
 
Steve, I owned the Jolida 302b amp as well and went towards SET and more efficient speakers.

Before you upgrade: What tubes are you currently using? I did have significant improvements tube rolling. Otherwise I think you have to spend significantly more to improve on the Jolida.

Anyway, some things I considered before going the low power route:

AES Sixpacs
Quicksilver Monos
Rogue Audio

and I heard this one recently

Almarro A318B SEP amp - 18 Watts but incredible sound driving a pair of GMA Callistos which are a bit more sensitive than your Vandersteens though.

With best wishes,

Rene
jkaway
93 posts
 
Steve, Great thread for me as I also have Vandy 2Sigs and am thinking of upgrading from Prima Luna pro-2 (which was an upgrade from ASL ). My 3 candidates: Cary SLI-80, VAC Avatar Super and Manley Stingray.Can anyone comment on the differences in sound between these 3 ? The Avatar is way more money than the other 2.Is it that much better?
stevecham OP
3,340 posts
 
Currently running Svetlana winged EL34s purchased from Joe Sausa at NewTube (I'm not affiliated but Joe is a great guy). TungSol 12AX7s and Mullard (New Sensor) 12AT7s in the 302. I'm overall happy with the sound but as I climb the tube world as I did for the solid state system, I realize that there is probably a world of everything I'm missing. I am interested in hearing the Rogue Cronus though. The Vandy 2Ce Sigs have been a revelation to say the least. Everyone should at least have one opportunity to hear these speakers. I am also intrigued by SET land; the only experience I have is hearing Cary monos in Montreal years ago at the Festival du Son et Image. I can't remember the speakers but I think they may have been Reference 3As, which are popular in Quebec.

Also someone told me Quicksilvers have short tube lives because they put alot of voltage on the plates. Is this true? But everyone who owns them seems to like Quicksilvers. Thanks again!
Steve
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