Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Jolida 1701 Integrated Amplifier (Tube) by JakeG

Model:	1701
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$500
Description:	Tube/Solid State Integrated
Manufacturer URL:	Jolida
Manufacturer URL:	Jolida

Review by JakeG ( A ) on August 16, 2004 at 16:14:53
IP Address: 207.179.113.139

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for the 1701

I bought this integrated after 6 months of research for a quality integrated for $600 or less. I was orginally looking at a Rotel 60 wpc however, my local Hi-Fi shop never had one in the audition. I got a brouchure and was a little concerned on how Rotel talks about power supplies but the 60 wpc inegrated only weighed 18 pounds and the 100 wpc weighed about 23 pounds. My Denon DRA-395 I was using at the time weighed 25 pounds. At the store I did listen to a Rotel separtes system was quite impressed with the sound. But I kept looking and good thing I did.

I got in touch with Bill Baker at Response Audio. He was helpful with the few quesitons I had about the Jolida. I was orginally going to get the 100wpc Jolida but when I talked to Jolida they thought that 100wpc may be too much for my B&W's. (602 S3) I guess it could have been. I talked to Bill about it and I settled on the 50 wpc unit. Bill upgraded the tubes and gave me a stereo subwoofer output if I ever wanted a sub or two subs. I was very excited to get the Jolida.

About a week later it arrived. I was shocked with the weigh of the unit. It must weigh 30 pounds. I rushed to open the box and found a HUGE transformer, multiple capicators, and 2 heat sinks. I thought WOW, what a deal. And the unit is beautiful in its silver face plate and black chasis.

I got home and hooked it up and before I could even say anything my wife said, "It sounds like Dave is right here with us..." I said yeah it does. Its always hard to find the first CD you want to listen to when you get new equipement. This time I used my Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds Live CD. Awesome acoustic recording.

After about 50 hours on it now the sound has opened and has more depth. I dont have to turn it up as much as I did with my Denon. The bass is deep and tight and the midrange is awesome. The highs are quite airy and with cymbals its quite amazing. Overall I am quite impressed with the sound and the power this "little" amp has. My only gripe it came with a whimpy power cord, however, I did order a PS Audio xstream Plus power cord which I will get tomorrow.

Good Job Jolida! Thank you Bill!

Product Weakness: Whimpy power cord.
Product Strengths: Great sound for little $$ Beautiful case and construction

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Jolida 1701
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony ES CA7ES
Speakers:	B&W 602 S3 90db@1m 120wpc max.
Cables/Interconnects:	Moon Audio Blue Dragon IC, DH-Labs T-14 bi-wired, silver banana's terminated by Moon Audio
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	DMB,Christian, Country, Blues, Modern Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 20 x 7
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster HTS-800
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Whimpy power cord.
Product Strengths:	Great sound for little $$ Beautiful case and construction