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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: tmfraley2 on November 14, 2008, 01:08:27 PM

Title: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: tmfraley2 on November 14, 2008, 01:08:27 PM: Going to look and listen on tuesday will be my first tube amp, any recs from anyone here, seems like a good deal to me

I am selling my upgraded Jolida 502A 60W/ch integrated amplifier which is in mint condition (see ad pictures). Sale price is $850 OBO + shipping.
The 502A has the much in-demand classic tube amplifier look where the transformers are not covered.
The reason for the sale is that this amp cannot drive my 1-Ohm speaker load.

My Jolida 502A has been significantly upgraded by K & K Audio for a major improvement in sonics.
The modifications are:
• all power supply caps were upgraded to computer grade Panasonic TS-HB.
• AC power rectifier diodes were upgraded to IXYS FRED diodes rated at 1200V, 52A.
• All low current rectifiers were upgraded to 1000V, 1A type.
• All signal path caps were upgraded to Kimber Kaps.
• Transistor Current Sources were installed for the 12AT7 driver tubes (this was a big deal upgrade. Resulted in major sonic improvement).
• The Volume pot was upgraded to a NOBLE logarithmic pot.
• The Balance pot was removed altogether (this was a major upgrade in sonics because an uneccessary pot in the signal path was removed).
• All resistors were upgraded to Holco or Kiwame or PRPor Caddock depending on location.
• Input stage tube upgraded to Mullard IEC 12AX7
• Driver stage tube upgraded to RCA 12AT7
• Output tubes upgraded to KT88EH.

If you want to buy a brand new stock 502B it is going to cost you $995 from Underwoodwally on Audiogon.
If you want to buy a modified 502B from Underwoodwally it will cost you $1595.00
If you want to buy a 502A with Platinum mods by Response Audio it would have cost you $2125.00.
I think that my selling price is very fair.

The tubes that come with this amp are
Mullard IEC 12AX7 (in generic white boxes)  used old stock.
RCA 12AT7 (in original RCA boxes)  used old stock
Electro-Harmonix KT88 (in original boxes)  I have about 50 hrs on these tubes. They are pracitically brand new.

On the rear panel there is some fading of the numbers indicating the 8 & 4 Ohms taps. It is still very easy to make out which is the 8 Ohm tap & which the 4 Ohm tap. Just the numbers 8 & 4 are somewhat faded.

I have the 502A manual + the electrical schematic that Jolida sent me to help out with the mods. I have the original 502A shipping box.
Title: Re: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: carlbeck on November 15, 2008, 07:40:18 AM: I say go for it, everyone needs to at least try a tube amp once. You never know, this could be the beginning of the end, hard to ga back once you have tubes.
Title: Re: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: bgalizio on November 15, 2008, 10:47:27 AM: I love my Jolida 102b tube amp. Before you buy, you might want to contact Rick at Audioforce to see what his price would be (audio_way@yahoo.com). I got the 102b for an absolute steal from him nearly two years ago.
Title: Re: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: tmfraley2 on November 15, 2008, 12:26:08 PM: Quote from: bgalizio on November 15, 2008, 10:47:27 AM
I love my Jolida 102b tube amp. Before you buy, you might want to contact Rick at Audioforce to see what his price would be (audio_way@yahoo.com). I got the 102b for an absolute steal from him nearly two years ago.

cool thanks, and yes Carl we had this conversation 2 years ago at my old place and am finally biting the bullet, selling my old av receiver that I just replaced also to help fund part of it, cant wait >:D
Title: Re: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: StuStu on November 15, 2008, 03:20:29 PM: I'm currently using Electro-Harmonix KT88EH tubes on my Cary mono-blocks and am pleased with them so far. I highly recommend modded Jolida equipment. For red book playback I have a heavily modified Jolida cd player and it sounds sweet. You will most likely love tubes.
Title: Re: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: stevetoney on November 15, 2008, 06:20:04 PM: ^^^ Has nothing to do with the post, but StuStu that's a hella aresenal of audio gear you got going there!
Title: Re: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: StuStu on November 16, 2008, 07:58:59 AM: Quote from: tonedeaf on November 15, 2008, 06:20:04 PM
^^^ Has nothing to do with the post, but StuStu that's a hella aresenal of audio gear you got going there!

If you're ever down in SWFL, drop by for a listen. I love my audio room! :)
Title: Re: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: carlbeck on November 16, 2008, 08:02:22 AM: Great news Tim, glad to have you aboard.
Title: Re: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: tmfraley2 on November 18, 2008, 06:22:23 PM: well it is all hooked up and is rocking out now at 8 ohms, havent tried hooking it up at 4 yet
Title: Re: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: cheshirecat on November 20, 2008, 10:23:09 AM: So what do you think so far?
Title: Re: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: tmfraley2 on November 20, 2008, 04:51:39 PM: Quote from: cheshirecat on November 20, 2008, 10:23:09 AM
So what do you think so far?

Absolutely love it for the couple hours I got to listen, had to travel at 6 am the next day and am on my way home now, maybe I can get my wife to stay up so I can crank it tonight when I get home, really has given the speakers a new sound, I thought 60 watts per channel would not be enough to push what I have but I was majorly wrong!!!
Title: Re: looking at picking this up next week, wht do you think?
Post by: StuStu on November 21, 2008, 01:02:00 PM: Watts are not much concern in the audiophile realm. You can get a full body massage under 50 watts with the right gear.

Congrats on the new amp...enjoy!