Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Jolida JD1000A Amplifier (Tube) by btbluesky

Model:	JD1000A
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1699
Description:	150 watt tube integrated amplifier. 8 pcs, EL34s, 2 pcs 12AX7As, 2 pcs 12AT7s.
Manufacturer URL:	Jolida
Model Picture:	View

Review by btbluesky on August 22, 2008 at 22:30:29
IP Address: 68.126.2.27 Add Your Review
for the JD1000A

Wow. That's all I can say. I'm not much of a reviewer, but I cannot help myself to wirte one for this incredible amp. This is pretty much the best audio component I've ever purchase.

Now I do not have a 30k mega buck system w/ silver connects and such. My mid-fi system although not of the highest price tag, but are all hand-picked giant-killers with lots of followers. A Non over-sample tube DAC, and a bamboo enclosure bookshelf with flat response, ultra fast transient, bass like having a sub, and highs (seas tweeters) that are to die for. And this Jolida just push them to a new height.

This is the first tube amp I've used, and at first I had a hard to justify having an amp to be higher price then the speakers, but after hearing the difference between this and the old Jolida 1501 (itself already deemed a exceptional performer), I realized what those tube users been raving about. High end solid state are great, they have precision second to none, and attack that moves your body. But the tubes are just too enjoyable: the fluid-like body of mid and high makes the material so life-like, that you can feel the present of the instruments when you close your eyes. Everything comes alive. It doesn't means it loses on the bass either, as its punchy and hard as any well SS amp. I feel the first time from my little Sierra 1 bookshelf the vibration on the chair.

My usual listening vol is at 9 o-clock, and already it's pretty good. But when it is turned to 11 (I simply cannot go pass 12, as it's so powerful), one cannot use the word "loud" to describe it. The music just fill the room, with a 3D sound stage that are as big as the room itself, the female vocal soprano is so pleasing to the ear you just don't want to turn down the vol despite the neighbor knocking on your door. All this will NEVER, repeat NEVER be achievable by a sold state amp regardless the price, be it krell, levinson or what not. SS are just that -- SOLID, it does represent whatever that the source present, but has anyone ever question if the source represent the real performer? The tube I believe restore the dynamics, the fluidity of sound back.

Some tech guys said it's the eve-order distortion that tube produced that are inheritly pleasing to human ears, blah blah blah....Well, I say "Bring it on." As pleasing the sound is, I don't care what it calls. This amp made me a believer.
Linux_Flac-> (Monster USB)-> MHdt_Paradisea+-> (Zu Oxyfuel)-> Jolida 1501RC(JANphillip_12AX7|Zu Bok PC)-> (QED Silver Annivry XT)-> Ascend Accoustic Sierra-1

Product Weakness:	low WAF(wfie acceptance factor), as its 65lb monster thats as big as an oven. Hot as one as well.<br>Tube-rolling could be expensive, as it has 8 EL34, 2 12AT7 2 12AX7, but thats the fun of it.
Product Strengths:	Complete 3D soundstage. <br>Ultra fluid-like sound. <br>life-like human vocal. <br>Lots of power reserve, so no need to worry about speakers eff. Having a 15 watts single-ended Triode amp pretty much limit your speakers to the ultra-exclusive (read pricey) 97db speakers with no bass.<br>Where in the world can you find a 100wpc full tube amp that are real performer with this price

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: JD-1000A
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Linux Flac with MHDT Paradisea+
Speakers: Ascend Accoustic Sierra-1 (86.5dB)
Cables/Interconnects: QED Silver Anniversary XT. Zu Cable Bok 1.0m Power Cable for Paradisea+. Signal Calbe Magic Power for Amp.
Music Used (Genre/Selections): classal jazz, lounge, contemporary, techno, rock
Room Size (LxWxH): 10 x 12 x 8
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	JD-1000A
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Linux Flac with MHDT Paradisea+
Speakers:	Ascend Accoustic Sierra-1 (86.5dB)
Cables/Interconnects:	QED Silver Anniversary XT. Zu Cable Bok 1.0m Power Cable for Paradisea+. Signal Calbe Magic Power for Amp.
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	classal jazz, lounge, contemporary, techno, rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	10 x 12 x 8
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner