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JohnW

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Posts posted by JohnW

    Decware SE84C Zen Triode?

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    After doing a bit of research and calling a few tube stores and talking to Jolida--I'm going to try replacing the preamp and power driver tubes (12AX7/12AT/7) with Genalex Gold Lion gold pins...now, they aren't Telefunkens, or NOS Mullards, or Tunsgrams, but they seem to be pretty close, and since I'm ordering them via Amazon, I have 30 days to return them. 

    If these don't make a difference, it's time to sell the Jolida and keep hunting. 

    Maybe that Decware IS the way to go. 

    Power Rating for Cornwall Is?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    2 hours ago, jvs1670 said:

    I'd suggest a 70's era reciever from Marantz, Yamaha, Sansui or Harman Kardon.  I'm using an HK 730 and it sounds better than any other thing I've tried including tube amps.  You don't need to spend a fortune either.

    I used to have an AVR510. I’ve often thought of picking up another HK receiver.

     

    The 70s vintage receivers are ridiculously unaffordable at the moment.

    Power Rating for Cornwall Is?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    On 11/23/2020 at 2:43 PM, Shakeydeal said:

    Jolida makes good gear. I’m sure you’re gonna like it.

     

    Shakey

    I don’t dislike it.

     

    I was fully expecting to be blown away. Nope.

     

    But...

     

    I decided to use my Marantz SR7013 receiver for movies only, and the Jolida Fusion 3502P for music, fed by the pre-outs from the Marantz. In this capacity, the SR7013 is being used as a DAC and a preamp.
     

    I’ve installed an A/B switch—the front left and right speaker outputs of the Marantz int the A channel, the outputs of the Jolida into the B channel. The switch’s output feeds into my Cornwalls.

     

    This allows me to switch between the outputs instantaneously.

     

    And I have to say, the Marantz receiver, by itself, has a more detailed soundstage, with better definition between instruments, tighter bass, and slightly higher volume  and more punch than the Jolida. The Jolida has more detailed upper frequencies— more “sparkle”—but it’s bass is looser and a bit boomy. It has a smooth, unpunchy quality. 

     

    This had Jared at Jolida blaming the A/B switch. Not sure what adding a yard and a half of copper wire into the signal path is doing. He also suggested not toeing in my speakers.

     

    This led me to chase the theory that maybe I had the wrong tubes by reading everything I could about them for a week. I could spend hundreds on new tubes, then wait a month for them to break in to see if maybe yeah, it was the tubes...or maybe I could just start by replacing the preamp stage tubes, the 12AX7s...which led me to a phone call with Sean at Upscale Audio, who thought my problems could be solved with a pair of Tungsrams...for only $140...apiece.

     

    Hm. Not like you can return tubes if you don’t like them.

     

    But maybe I have gimpy tubes?

     

    DO tube amps sound better than good solid state amps? 

     

    Or maybe I prefer SS to tubes? 
     

    It’s frustrating. 
     

    I remember listening to the Parasound 2250 (the one I just sold), thinking “This sounds amazing. I’m satisfied...but how can I be satisfied when it’s common knowledge that a good tube amp would sound even better?”

     

    Hence, the purchase of the Jolida. I’ve put about 300 hours on it, so it’s broken in...but it feels like my quest for great sound has taken a (small) step backward.

     

    I’m not sure what to do next.

     

     

    Tung-Sol 6550s to Genalex KT-77s

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    Picked up a Jolida Fusion 3502P in November, to augment the music output of my Marantz SR7013. 
     

    Now that it’s broken in, the truth is, switching back and forth, I can’t hear that much of a difference. Maybe a more defined soundstage on the Marantz alone.

     

    I mean, it sounds great either way. 
     

    But of course, I want it to sound “better.” 😁

     

    So I had some questions:

    1) Would it make sense to replace the 6550s that came with the amp with Genalex Gold Lion KT-77s? I’ve read WAY TOO MUCH about tubes, and these seem like the way to go.

    2) The 3502P is switchable, allowing the use of either 6550 or EL34 output tubes. Which category do the KT-77s fall into?

    3) would it make sense to upgrade the two 12AXA7 preamp tubes in the Jolida? These are currently Tung-Sols as well.

     

    I’m looking for a bit more detail and punch in the mids and bass, and a more defined soundstage. Overall, I’m seeking more clarity and presence.

     

    Thanks in advance.

    Decware SE84C Zen Triode?

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    My thoughts after four months with the Jolida Fusion 3502P. It sounds good...slightly warmer than my Marantz receiver. But the soundstage isn't as well-defined. I spoke to Jolida, and they suggested I leave it on for a couple of weeks to really break the tubes in. So I did. It helped a bit, but the soundstage still isn't up to the Marantz.

    I've set up an A/B amp switch for movies and music. I use the receiver alone for movies, but it gets relegated to dac/preamp duty for music.

    I hate to say it, but honestly, I can't hear that much of a difference when I switch between the two on high-resolution music files.

    Here's the signal path right now:

    Cat6 from my router into my receiver, a Marantz SR7013. That's a AKM AK4458 DAC, controlled by Sound United's Heos, running Amazon Music HD and Ultra HD files, stereo line outs into the switch box, pre-outs into the Jolida. Switch Box outs to my Cornwalls.

    A sensible person would just sell the amp and be happy. That would make sense.

    So being me, now I'm thinking...new tubes?

    Currently the Jolida is running:
    4x Tung-Sol 6550s
    2x Electro-Harmonix 12AT7s
    2x Tung-Sol 12AX7s

    Was thinking about replacing the 6550s with a quad of Gold Lion KT77s and the preamp tubes with Gold Lions as well.

    Or should I just sell the damned Jolida?




     

    WTB: Klipsch Bookshelf speakers

    in Garage Sale

    Posted

    Happy New Year, y'all.

    Hey, I'm looking for a pair of RB-5s (or RB-35s), but I'm only willing to spend $200 max, including shipping. Cosmetics don't matter, as long as they function. So if you've got an old pair you just want to get rid of, please let me know, thanks.

    Decware SE84C Zen Triode?

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    27 minutes ago, Marvel said:

     

    Did putting the tubes in the correct positions change the sound much?

    YES!!!!! OMG!!! I’d been tweaking the eq, trying to isolate the edge out of the high end.

     

    I did this and the soundstage opened up, every sound became distinct and the edge vanished. 
     

    ok, I get it. I’ve got maybe, 30 hours on this thing...so it should be opening up around New Year. At this rate I think it’s safe to say the Parasound will be up for sale soon.

     

    THANK YOU, KEVIN!

    • Like 2

    Jolida with Cornwall IV?

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    I just bought a Jolida 3502P to go with my '84 Cornwalls, and I'm pretty darned happy with it. Preamping with a Marantz SR7013 AVR. Replaced a Parasound 2250 v.2, and I have to say, I prefer the sound of the Jolida. More detailed sound, deeper soundstage. Smoother. Reveals crappy recordings, LOVES great recordings, and especially loves well-recorded acoustic instruments.

    Cornwall IVs should be amazing.

    Did you wind up getting them?

    Decware SE84C Zen Triode?

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    On 12/2/2020 at 3:09 PM, kevinmi said:

    I think you may have your tubes in wrong. I think the 12ax7 should be in the 2 inner spots, and the 12at7 in the outer spots. I could be wrong, but I looked at some pics on the Jolida site, and thats what it looked like. Also, all tube amps I've owned are set up that way also. Check your owners manual for me 

    Yikes! You're right! Nice catch, Kevin! Thank you.

    • Like 1

    Decware SE84C Zen Triode?

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    Ok, Day two was yesterday. Did a recalibration, repositioned the sub, and am happy to report that movies are quite enjoyable again.

    I have a weird room--vaulted ceilings--12' high on the speaker wall, 8' high on the back, listening wall. Ideally, I need to position my sub up front, so the waves are compressed and bounced the same way the fronts are...but there's no room. So I think I've found the best possible spot in the rear of the room. Still issues, but Audyssey crosses my Cornwalls over at 40 Hz, so the sub is on duty only for the low low frequencies. Seems to come in a bit abruptly. May need to figure out how to smooth the falloff.

    The Audyssey MultEQ app comes with this amazing curve editor feature. After it analyzes the room, it tweaks the receiver for a flat response, and generates a graph with a curve representing the response it's achieved (also gives you a before and after--really amazing stuff). You can plot points on the curve and edit it. So I punched up a bit of the upper midrange, and I think, aside from the abrupt subwoofer, we're good.

    This thing gets warm, and my rack is kind of enclosed on three sides, with little moving air. I'll be rebuilding the rack and putting the Jolida on top of it for cooling purposes (and prominent display) this weekend.

    Now for some time listening.

    Oh, and obligatory unboxing pics:

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    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1

    Decware SE84C Zen Triode?

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    36 minutes ago, billybob said:

    Guessing you are using the amp and something else using the same pre-outs?

     

    Would reposition the sub before Audessey run, of course.


    Will do.

    No, I may have to bypass the amp for the fronts and use just the receiver for movies.

    • Like 1

    Decware SE84C Zen Triode?

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    No, that Amazon product would be perfect--if I can't make movies work with the Jolida. Not convinced it's necessary yet.

    Can't keep both amps. Deal I made with the wife.  🤷‍♂️

    Don't need to anyway. The amp is only to improve the 2-channel playback. 

    I think the next order of business is a fresh room calibration and then possibly relocation of my sub. It's never really worked well in it's current position, and I don't have room for two. 

    New parts for the rack on their way. The Jolida should look fantastic on top!

     

    • Like 1

    Decware SE84C Zen Triode?

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    7 minutes ago, billybob said:

    Explain the tricky part?

    Yes would plan on what you are saying about rack. etc.


    Ok, here's my detailed technical analysis: something doesn't sound right.

    I'm sure this is about what the receiver is sending the amp. I'll try running Audyssey again with the Jolida, and if that doesn't get me closer to sorted, I'll get a switching box...because the receiver is wonderful with movies, and just needed something extra for music. 

    • Like 1
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