Description

Recently took the leap from an integrated to separates and couldn't be happier. This system is the end (so far) of a long journey of upgrades and tweaking and I'm quite content at this point. I may play around some with cabling, but I can't really envision any short term upgrades in components. The VAC's and Dodd are magical together.
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Components Toggle details

    • Valve Amplification Company Auricle 70/70 Monblocs
    Wonderful KT88 based monoblocks. Using Genelex Reissue KT88's and NOS Mullard 12UA7's.
    • Valve Amplification Company Renaissance MKII Preamp
    Full function with MC/MM phono section and separate power supply. Three 12AX7's in the phono and two 8416's and two 12AX7's in the line section. Remote controlled, with balanced and SE in's/out and HT pass through. Really sweet piece.
    • GNSC Modded Resolution Audio Opus 21
    Redbook CDP - With Reference Mods from Great Northern Sound. With RSA Exousias umbilical. Wow!
    • Vortexbox Appliance
    NAS storage for music library.
    • Sonos Connect
    Wireless Digital Streaming device
    • Merlin Music Systems TSM-MMe
    Latest lead free version, with zobel networks and jumpers.
    • Martin Logan Dynamo (x2)
    Powered SW with 10" woofer. I use two of these.
    • Velodyne SMS-1
    Sub management/equalizer
    • Furman Elite 15 PFi
    Power conditioner/ surge protector. Everything plugged into this unit including the amp. Great unit.
    • Tyler Acoustics Model One Stands
    Spefically for Tyler Taylo Reference Monitors, but work well with the Merlins
    • Acoustic Zen Satori
    Speaker cables, with Satori Jumpers
    • Gabriel Gold Rapture
    Interconnect from Pre to Amp.
    • Audience AU24
    1) DIN to RCA - between the Opus and VAC.
    • Purist Audio Aqueous
    Digital Cable - from Squeezebox to Opus 21.
    • Audience PC
    Connected to CDP.
    • Ridge Street Audio Exousias
    Umbilical for the Opus 21.
    • Herbies - Tube Dampers and Footers
    Tube Dampers all around and Isocup and tenderfeet footers under the VAC's and Dodd.
    • Brightstar Isonodes
    Soft footers under both sections of the Opus 21. Amazing cheap tweak.

Comments 45

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Thanks for answer. I followed recommendations by Chris Johnson at partsconnexion and ended up with a similar collection of tubes (see my system link after you click on my name, since for some reason it does not show up otherwise). I really like the detail the EH12AX7 brought to my system and and enjoy the much tighter bass with the Svetlanas. The Mullard 12AT7 I have were really necessary to keep the musical qualities of the Jolida. I have to agree with you. I think the tube rolling was a huge improvement over the stock amp.

I am not sure whether I will add the tube dampers any time soon. I am thinking about first upgrading the powercords (maybe to the vh audio ones as well). How is yor experience with the "different" flavors, i.e. flavor 2 vs flavor 4?

Thanks again,

Rene

restock

Hi again,

just had some quick questions about your system:

How do you like Herbies tube dambers on your Jolida? Did you notice any improvements (more detail, soundstage, tighter bass)?

And while I am at it: Did you try some tube rolling on your Jolida? What tubes are you running at the moment?

I am playing with the thought of trying some different tubes on my 302b. Have you done any of the mods you were considering for your JD100 or 302b. (I just saw the question you raised in the your other thread).

Enjoy!

Rene

restock

I just got my Jolida JD302B earlier this week. Looks like it is going to replace $2500 worth of solid state gear driving my Mission 751 monitor speakers....

First impressions: I like the way the Jolida lets the music flow, excellent rhythm and timing. Overall a very musical amplifier. Surprisingly better P.R.A.T than the Linn gear.

Compliments on your sweet and simple setup.

Rene

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