The Jolida JD301RC amplifier
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)Jolida might not be probably the most identifiable title in electronic devices, however the little company continues to be selling overachieving budget-listed audiophile tube gear within the U.S. since 1992. I've got a couple of buddies using Jolida gear, and they are all passionate supporters of the trademark. I examined the Jolida FX10 all-tube amplifier late this past year.
The Jolida JD301RC ($425) is really a 30-watt-per-funnel integrated stereo system amplifier. It is a "hybrid" design that utilizes a set of vacuum tubes (12AX7) in the preamplifier section, and National Semiconductor MOSFET transistors in the energy amplifier stage. The JD301RC has four line-level inputs (Tuner, DVD, Compact disc, Aux), plus one 3.5mm jack on its front panel for convenient hookup of apple ipods or another portable products. The amplifier is 11.5 inches wide by 8.75 inches deep by 3.25 inches high and weighs in at 8 pounds. The small remote handles just volume and mute. The JD301RC will come in "silver" and black finishes.
Improvisational jazz group Attention Screen's latest Compact disc, "Attention Screen Takes Flight at Yamaha," puts the JD301RC's energy possibility to good use. Recorded by Stereophile magazine's John Atkinson, with apparently no dynamic range compression or equalization, the Compact disc pressed the JD301RC to strut its stuff. The background music seemed absolutely live, and Bob Reina's piano and Mark Flynn's drum package were vivid within their presentation. Some tube amplifiers can seem excessively lush or mellow, however with the JD301RC the sparkle from the drummer's cymbals was realistic, with no overhyped edge or glare. I loved how a notes of Don Fiorino's lap steel guitar hung up between a set of Wharfedale Gemstone 10.1 loudspeakers. The JD301RC may deliver just 30 w per funnel, however the small amplifier did not hinder the band's freewheeling, spontaneous grooves one bit.
Robert Plant's recent "Gang of Pleasure" Compact disc shown the JD301RC's muscular seem. The band's large bass drum thwacks provided a rock-firm foundation for several tunes, however the bass never switched thick or bloated, remaining as firm and tight as, well, a drum! The soundstage spread wider compared to actual locations from the loudspeakers during my room, and also the instruments forecasted a nearly physical presence. That is what tube amplifiers achieve this well, and also the JD301RC resided as much as my anticipation.
To complete up I viewed the "King Kong" DVD during my two-funnel home entertainment using the JD301RC driving the Gemstone 10.1 loudspeakers (full review in tomorrow's publish). When Kong wrestles using the dinosaurs on Skull Island the small loudspeakers did not seem so very little. Kong's heavy breathing and ferocious roars helped me jump combined with the best loudspeakers the small amplifier can produce a large seem!
The Jolida/Wharfedale seem, coupled with my Oppo BDP-95 Blu-ray player, was certainly high-finish, however the cost was still being within the affordable range (you can substitute a less costly Blu-ray or Compact disc player). The Jolida JD301RC applies to under to buy a iPad 2, and that i can virtually guarantee most Jolida proprietors is going to be taking pleasure in their amplifiers for several years following the average iPad ends up in landfill. My pal Gene still listens towards the Jolida he bought within the late the nineteen nineties.
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