Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Jolida 1501 Integrated Amplifier (Tube) by JimOfOakCreek

Model:	1501
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$600
Description:	tubed pre-amp, with ss 100 wpc output
Manufacturer URL:	Jolida
Model Picture:	View

Review by JimOfOakCreek ( A ) on December 26, 2005 at 15:08:49
IP Address: 65.26.193.58

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The Jolida 1501RC is an integrated hybrid amp with a tube pre-amp (2 - 12AX7)and a MOSFET power amp. I bought it because digital sources and tubes are an interesting combination. I was not very impressed with the Jolida right out of the box though.
The bass was not as solid nor as punchy as the digital amp on my Panasonic XR50 HT receiver. Even though I use a subwoofer, the preamp could not deliver the kind of excellent bass I expected. Detail on the Jolida fell short of the Panny and the highs were too rolled-off for my taste as well. On the plus side, the mids and especially vocals were very nice but, for me, detail and imaging are important qualities.
It's impossible to do a review without also commenting on tubes. The type of 12AX7 tubes used in the pre-amp has a huge impact on the sound.
After about ten hours on the stock Chinese tubes, I lost my patience and rolled in a pair of Sovtek 12AX7LPS tubes. The improvement was dramatic and immediate without any break-in period. The amp became very quiet and detailed, with tighter bass and an extended high-end with crisp percussion. I would describe the sound as neutral and very detailed, but silky smooth. Most listeners will find the imaging/presence impressive with these tubes.
The Jolida 1501RC drives the 4 ohm load of my MMGs effortlessly. Itâ€™s rated at 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms but this may be a bit too conservative. I was told by my dealer that the output was 140 watts/ch into 4 ohms, although I found no reference in the specs for a 4 ohm load.
The controls on the Jolida 1501RC are minimal. Thereâ€™s an â€œOn-Off swich on the back of the unit and 4 sets of RCA Inputs. My unit came with a â€œFixedâ€ output and a â€œVariableâ€ preamp out, which I use to drive a subwoofer. There's only one set of stereo speaker jacks. On the front panel, only a volume control, a â€œStandbyâ€ switch, and 4 Source buttons are present. There are no tone or balance controls. There are no â€œTape In-Outâ€ loops. For less than $600, this is a very well built piece of equipment. The face plate is Â¼â€ thick brushed aluminum with cool blue lights. The toroidal transformer is massive. The whole unit weighs about 33 lbs!
On the negative side, the remote control unit is a mediocre plastic one. Some of the buttons have no function. The remoteâ€™s volume control actually turns the volume knob on the amp.
The Jolida is imported from China, with â€œfinal assembly and burn-inâ€ done at their Maryland facility.
Iâ€™ve been reading about Groove Tubes GT 12AX7-M tubes. Iâ€™ll be trying those soon . Rolling tubes to tailor the sound is the fun part of owning a tubed piece of equipment.
If you like tubes on a budget, the Jolida 1501RC is built like a tank and offers a lot of potential for the money.

Product Weakness: cheap remote, no balance or tone controls, "made in China" stigma
Product Strengths: Heavily constructed, tube preamp, great sound with good tubes, massive toroidal transformer, simple controls

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Jolida 1501RC & Panny XR50
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	HP Laptop Computer & Stereo-Link DAC
Speakers:	Magneplane MMG
Cables/Interconnects:	SoundKing 10GA
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Anything but rap
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 25 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Laminate floor and Oriental Rugs
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Month
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	cheap remote, no balance or tone controls, "made in China" stigma
Product Strengths:	Heavily constructed, tube preamp, great sound with good tubes, massive toroidal transformer, simple controls