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2 years ago, I had the Rogue Cronus and like its powerful sound but wanted a more tubey sound and replaced it with the Conrad Johnson CAV-50 and that was certainly more tubey but lacked the dynamics of the Rogue. Then, I got a new Jolida 302CRC with EH-EL34 output tubes and that seemed to have the tubiness with the dynamics that I also wanted. I tried a REL sub and discovered that I could get so much more bass from that change but it also affected the synergy with the mids and highs so I took the sub out and added a set of Kimber 8TC cables and the bass came back very close to that of the sub only without changing its interface with the mids and highs.
Next, I added the Audible Illusions 2D preamp with phonostage and that simply transformed the whole sound. There is more clarity,detail,and soundstage, and most of all, dynamics!
I still can use the Jolida remote to power off/on the system and mute it. But, for volume control, it is a hands on project but that's fine. I accepted that when I bought a turntable to play records.
I wholeheartedly recommend a new refurbished Audible Illusions 2D. I had no idea how much this preamp can do when it is matched with a tube amp. I guess those who use this preamp or the 3A with quicksilver amps always knew this long ago! hehe...
Follow Ups:
If you like the 2D which has been discontinued since 1990, you should hear their latest and greatest 3B. It is worlds apart better, quieter, more dynamic and sounds so right. I use mine with a high power solid state amp and it is a match made in Heaven.
"Far away across the field
The tolling of the iron bell
Calls the faithful to their knees
To hear the softly spoken magic spells."
I am sure that investing in their latest preamp would yield the most performance. (Mine is a refurbished version that came from the manufacturer this month through Galen Carol Audio in San Antonio.) At any rate, these Audible Illusions tube preamps are really special...
Yes they are very magical. Just be sure to use AI recommended tubes.
"Far away across the field
The tolling of the iron bell
Calls the faithful to their knees
To hear the softly spoken magic spells."
Wait 'til you hear it with GL KT77...yeah.
Do you mean Golden Lion by GL? How did it change the sound from EL34s in your system? Eventually, I will like to try rolling the output tubes some day...
Yes, Gold Lion...It has better midrange and highs, better resolution, more tuneful bass...just a better tube than either the EH EL34 or EH 6CA7.
I also have a Jolida 302/502, but extensively modified.
If your amp is new, just get used to its sound, then after a year or whenever you hanker for "more", look to roll the smaller tubes with alternatives, after you find the perfect (4U) tube-sound combo, then try the GL KT77.
I had the Jolida 302B before they had remote control. What your experiencing makes sense because the Jolida 302 is a power amp w/ a passive preamp. Since the volume control just attenuates the sound an active preamp w/ the Jolida's volume turned up is a good match. Incidentally I also found the Kimber 8tc is a very good match with that amp.
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