Digital Drive: REVIEW: Jolida JD100 CD Player/Recorder by Bosh

Model:	JD100
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$900
Description:	tube cd player
Manufacturer URL:	Jolida
Manufacturer URL:	Jolida

Review by Bosh ( R ) on September 29, 2006 at 10:27:11
IP Address: 67.86.88.46

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for the JD100

No need to add yet another voice to the chorus on the JD100; just know that this machine kicks ass.

Detail, texture, air, imaging, punch, a slight but very pleasing sweetness overall. Among the very best I've listened to and by far the best I've had the pleasure to own.

Build-quality is first rate (but I will get in there with some damping sheets, anyway): approaching overkill with the weapons-grade remote, milled from a solid block of steel (even the buttons are steel). Weighing in at an easy pound, this is not a remote control you want to drop on your toe or worse, that precious new hardwood floor.

Design is tasteful and decidedly non-flash n' dazzle. If you only like tubes when you can see 'em, move on. The tubes here are under the bonnet and in the wonderful sound. 2x12AX7 and a TRUE tube output with no op amps employed. Maybe in a few months I'll be bored on a rainy day and try some rolling, but for now stock is doing such a fine job that--well--if it ain't broke I ain't goning to go and fix it.

I've not listened to so much redbook, so often for so long, in years. The JoLida is daring to complete with and edge into my vinyl time.

Sure there are "better", there always are. But at this price? If you can beat it please, let us all know.

Product Weakness: Power/standby light is so bright I'm afraid it'll lazer blast anything in the path of its beam. A slower open/close machanism would be cooler; this one's kind of switchblade in attitude.
Product Strengths: Sound, build, sound.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	ASL MG15 Integrated SET
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	JoLida JD100; VPI Scout w/Grado Master Reference cart thru Wright Sound WPP 200C
Speakers:	Omega Grande 8
Cables/Interconnects:	AP Silver Oval ICs/Mapleshade Double Golden Helix SCs
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Miles Davis, Dexter Gordon, HEM, Citizen Cope, Stanley Clarke, Led Zep...
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 18 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments:	-
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster Power HTS1600; Audio Magic, Harmonic Tech and Virtual Dynamics PCs
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	-

Product Weakness:	Power/standby light is so bright I'm afraid it'll lazer blast anything in the path of its beam. A slower open/close machanism would be cooler; this one's kind of switchblade in attitude.
Product Strengths:	Sound, build, sound.