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In Reply to: Jolida 100A CD Player - Best 12AX7 tube for upgrade posted by GregC on August 15, 2002 at 18:27:28:
First off I have to say that I have no experience with the Jolida. That being said I think most any tube would be a marked improvement over the Chinese ones. It's all a matter of money and what sound you want. The Telefunkens are a favorite of many and cost a lot. To me they are a bit too soft on the highs but not what I would call rolled off. I like a tube with a bit more bite personally. The EI Elites are a great deal I think. For about 10 bucks they are had selected and have a nice full sound leaning towards the bright side but not harsh. Mullards are somewhere in between. Loads of choices and you really don't know until you try something. Really anything in your case will be an upgrade so I would try something cheap like the EI first and see if it makes you happy. Why pay $100 each for the Telefunken when you might be pleased with a $10 tube. I am sure I will get flamed for this but actually have my tele's sitting in the closet and am using the EI's.
Follow Ups:
Dear Greg C,I have the previous generation Jolida 603A CD player and swapped out the Chinese 12AX7s for a pair of used Mullard M8137 (special low noise communication versions of the 12AX7) tubes. Also swapped out the plastic 1uF/400V opt caps for a pair of PIO like spec'd WestCaps. Sound is now unbelievably good!!
YMMV,
I tried Bugle Boy, Telefunken and Mullard in my JD 100 and I prefer the Mullard for a sweet and balanced sound.Try ebay for tube deals, but be careful and look for people with track records and measured testing.
Thanks for the feedback. I have been reading reviews and looking at used tubes since I posted the message on this forum. I am trying to decide if I want to go vintage and get Telefunken, Mullard or Amperex, or do I want to go new and get the gold pin EI or the Svetlanas. I think the Jolida 100 uses good internal components with the tubes being the main required upgrade. The Mullards are British which would probably match well with my Monitor Audio Silver 8i speakers and B&K Ref 30.
Big difference in price between the tubes you mention. Really it isn't fair to compare something that sells for $10 with something that sells for $100. I was just trying to let you know that the $10 tube, IMHO, is quite good. Now if money is no object then I would say get the teles if you like a darker sound, get the mullards for a balanced sound, or get the EI Elites for bit brighter sound. Hope this helps.
Russ
P.S. They may be even more choices, entirely different tube, if your CD has enough gain
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