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Re: ASL, Jolida, etc.

Posted by KT88 (D) on January 21, 2005 at 11:11:08

In Reply to: ASL Wave8 or other cheap entry options into tubes posted by Rich Wenzel on January 20, 2005 at 16:18:49:

The ASL Wave 8 is no longer sold. They were really fly weight amps and were a gimmick to get people to try them. Not bad for use at a computer or with high efficiency speakers, but not great either. The newer Wave 20 amps actually have enough power to be useful with a wider range of systems such as the one you propose. They also have a decent, warm sound that can work great with smaller speakers. The disadvantage is that you also need a preamp or source that allows switching and level control for any sort of convenience and then that makes the idea less of a bargain unless you intend to migrate into larger separates at some point.
If you have a real limited budget and want a fully functional amp, then an integrated is probably the best bet. I agree with others here that the Jolida 202 is a great sounding amp for its price. It is rather simple, but has a very sweet sound and enough power to drive speakers to some pretty decent levels while retaining good bass response. The 102 is light on the bass although it does have a clear sound at low output. Many think it one of their best sounding amps, but I disagree there having used them all. It does have a more neutral tone at low levels than the EL34 based units, which are rich and romantic sounding by comparison. They sound more like classic tube amps from the 50's and are have that 3-D magic that many people look for in a system. They also make a really cheap hybrid integrated amp that sounds wonderful but also has limited output. I actually find that little sucker to be one of the jewels of the line although it is quite limited in its abilities to drive a lot of speakers. It works great for a pair of 8 ohm bookshelf types in smaller rooms and has a perfectly balanced sound for peanuts. If you want a real, all-tube amp, then save-up for one of the larger integrated amps and it will serve you best.
-Bill

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