This is essentially an all Jolida system. The manufacturer is local, so listening sessions were easy. It didn't take long to become a believer and I built this dedicated system outside of the home theater. Real happy with it. Auditioned it head up with the likes of McIntosh and MBL. The difference was more appealing to me, and you just can't go wrong at a fraction of the cost. If I had it to do over I might have opted for the RC preamp.
Mono Block Power Amplifiers Factory mods (High Speed Diodes, Caps & Ceramic Resistors) Rated Output Power: 200 W per channel at 8 ohms, 25Hz to 40KHz Frequency Response: (at 1 watt into 8 ohms) 14Hz to 50KHz + 1dB Distortion THD: Less than 1% at 150 W output, 21Hz to 28KHz Circuit Type: Ultra Linear, Class AB Tubes: 211 Jolida x4 EL34 Winged "C" (SED) x4 12AT7wc EH x4 http://www.jolida.com/catalogue/models/jd3000a.shtml
Jolida JD 3000B
Line Stage Preamplifier Max Output Voltage: 20 V Voltage Gain: 20 dB Frequency Response: 5Hz to 110KHz, 10 V Distortion THD: Less than 1%; 1 KHz, 10 V Input Impedance: 100K ohms Output Impedance: 600 ohms Tubes: 5751 (12AX7) RCA Black Plate Double mica NOS x2 12AT7 Mullard NOS 1985 x2 http://www.jolida.com/catalogue/models/jd3000b.shtml
Jolida JD-100
CD Player Frequency Response: + 0.5dB, 20Hz to 20KHz S/N Signal to Noise Ratio: > 102dB THD + N Distortion: < 0.01%, 1KHz Channel Separation: > 96dB (1KHz) Line Output Voltage: > 2V, 47K ohms Digital Output: 0.5Vpp, 75 ohms Headphone Output: 35 mW, 32 ohms Mods by Response Audio: First stage output coupling capacitors replaced with a newly designed OIMP "Oil impregnated metalized polypropylene" capacitor by V-Cap. VH Audio OIMP capacitors also located in the second stage of the output. Second stage output capacitors are then bypassed with a smaller value Teflon capacitor. Tubes: 12AX7 RCA 1950s Black plates x2 http://www.jolida.com/catalogue/models/jd100a.shtml
ACT AL3TA
Floor Standing Speaker Small speaker maker in Bavaria Germany Sweet 2.5 way Semi-active system, closed cabinet, with 250w integrated amp http://www.act-lautsprecher.de/Lautsprecher/AL3TA/al3ta.html
Morrow Audio MA2
Audio Interconnects The MA2 consist of 6 runs of solid core, small gauge, silver coated copper wire which is then silver soldered to the termination of choice. Silver coated copper wire was chosen for the excellent balance of sound that it provides. The cable has an attractive appearance and possess excellent RFI and noise rejection. That cable is also flexible and easy to manage. http://www.morrowaudio.com/ma1interconnect.htm
Luminous Audio Synchestra Signature
SYNCHESTRA SIGNATURE Speaker Cable Two independent go and return legs. Isolated helical arrays of four 18-gauge continuous cast, single crystal ONO 99.99998% (6/9s) copper conductors and five empty polyethylene tubes create an ideal balance of inductance, capacitance and resistance. Combining premium virgin PVC and polyethylene with paper, fabric and air as dielectrics provides an exceptional reduction in hysteresis distortions. http://www.luminousaudio.com/speaker/synchestrasigspk.html
Timbernation Custom
Custom Maple Amp Stands http://www.timbernation.com/pcake_popup.cfm
Lovan Classic
Audio Rack http://www.lovanusa.com/
APC H15
Power Conditioner http://www.apc.com/products/apcav/products/index.cfm?action=detail&base_sku=H15BLK
Atlona 50-5702
Power Cables Specs:UL listed 3pin Power Male to 3pin Power Female 24k Gold Plated connectors Silver Plated 99.99% OFC conductor up to 20amps Three 8 AWG conductors Dual 100% mylar and 95% copper braid shielding for maximum rejection of EMI and RFI.18mm PVC jacket 1mm nylon sleeve Total Thickness: 20mm Bend Radius 160mm"
ACT AL3TA
Floor Standing Speaker Small speaker maker in Bavaria Germany 2.5 way Semi-active system, closed cabinet, with 250w integrated amp http://www.act-lautsprecher.de/Lautsprecher/AL3TA/al3ta.html
Thx Vinyl - Will have to try the cryos...The outriggers were $350, they are solid aluminum about an inch thick. I contacted Thiel directly, but used Audio Advisors to purchased them.
Did you ever get a chance to get your tubes cyoed yet? I was also wondering how much did those Thiel Otriggers run you? I have a floor standing speaker that's about the same size as yours, they come with their own but are kind of on the cheap side, plus you can't change the speaker distance form the floor which would be nice.
Croyed power cords for your monoblocks also makes a big improvement on bass.
I have been looking at the 3000a Amps for a couple months now. People seem very happy with them. I hope to join the All Tube Club. Mike claims that they will drive my 85 db speakers. That is about the only thing holding me back.
any other words of wisdom etc... I also have a modded 302b in the second room that is very nice. Thus the curiosity to move up the line.
Concerning Speaker stability, I've been looking for a good set of outriggers that I like. So, far I haven't found any, may have to build a set...
Designer's (Klaus Gruber formerly of ALR) recommended configuration is inside facing , I am really pleased the performance, really quite a wonderful presentation...
I also have the same amps, I can't say enough about them best kept secret in high end audio.
I've had mine re-wired with Supernal 2.3 from Stereo Unlimited here in the SF Bay Area[they make their own wire and power cords] I also have cryoed NOS tubes and cryoed Sino 211 tubes plus Supernal power cords. The amps power smaller floor standing speaker, BG Radia Z-92 with Sonic Frontiers Line-2 Preamp[free gift!] all though I may go with higher gain VAC or ASL in the future.
If you get a chance to go with cryo tubes in the future it will make a HUGE difference in the sound! I found a quick great tweak for my system is to place some 6 inch bike inner tubes between your preamp and CPD, very cheap isolation. I also put some squash balls cut in half under my maple blocks, inner tubes also work great.
I love Jolida gear and your system is beautiful. Great equipment for a relatively budget price.
Have you considered Maple bases under your speakers. It makes a difference on speakers as well as amps. Tightens everything up considerably in my experience.
I have a question. Isn't it better to have side firing woofers pointing to the outside for better room filling sound, and less vibration interference on amps (especially tubes) and sensitive digital front end?
Thanks again - Hearing, like your other senses, is subjective, mine prefers the sound of Jolida. It's the reason why I always recommend to ppl that they should listen (more than once) before pulling the trigger.
Mike in answer to your question, I was actually in considering using tube hybrids as multi-channel amps (Model JD 1704RC). Needless to say I got side tracked :) I will say though, of all the gear to choose from, the fella that work at the shop (which is actually United Home Audio, colocated with Jolida) owned a 1000RC. He said he loved it...
You nailed it Mike. It not necessarily warm, analytic, forward or reserved, the setup is just about as natural sounding as any equipment I've ever heard. It is revealing of poorly recorded music, but nice recordings are like you are sitting right there in the studio. Thank you for your comments...
Beautiful looking system Cstwst5. I'll bet it has nice synergy because it is all one manufacturer. What was it that captivated you over the likes of Mcintosh and the other brands you mention?
I'll bet your big Jolilda system just sounds so human like you are there. In your auditioning it did you have the opportunity to hear against the Jolida 1000RC integrated amp? What are your impressions compared to your separates?
I once had the Jolida 302B in our living room system for both music and movies. I was particularly impressed with what tubes did for movie sound tracks and movie dialogue. I have since moved on to SS amps w/ tube preamp and a full a SS system, but I will never forget how the little Jolida w/ EL34 tubes made me get into the performances, whether music or movies. Now I'm contemplating going back to tubes. My system will alway be used for both movies and music
