Onix SP3 or Jolida integrated amp

[kelly001]

I'm looking to buy my first tube amp. :) I'm torn between an Onix SP3 or a Jolida integrated tube amp (model to be determined). Any advice or suggestions concerning these two options. I'm looking to buy used and spend around $500-600.

[dorokusai]

I believe both manufacturers are solid and I've owned alot of Jolida gear. The JD-202 was a standout but the hybrids are pretty nice as well.

[Early B.]

Go with Onix. They can be had for $500. The Jolida 502B has more power, but is also more expensive. The Onix is built better, though.

[kelly001]

Thanks guys. I can only imagine that hooking an SP3 to a pear of 301-IV Bose speakers would be heresy? What speakers would you recommend to go with an Onix SP3 for under $600 a pair?

[Early B.]

What speakers would you recommend to go with an Onix SP3 for under $600 a pair?

Floorstanders or bookshelf? New or used?

[kelly001]

Floorstanders or bookshelf? New or used?

I have no preference. If floorstand it would have to be sturdy to withstand our toddler.

[Early B.]

If you have a subwoofer, I'd get bookshelf speakers and set them aside when not in use due to the toddler. Most floorstanders under $600 probably won't be heavy enough to dissuade a curious child from trying to tip them over. Plus, you'll need to budget at least $100 for some nice speaker stands.

There are literally hundreds of decent bookshelf speakers in your price range. Since this is the Polk forum, start with the Lsi9. And get the heavy duty metal stands from Parts Express and fill the column with lead shot.

[kelly001]

I'll check out the Lsi9's! Thanks!

Do you know anything about the Klipsch Heresy speakers?

[Ricardo]

I would get a pair of used Von Schweikert VR1's. You can get them for around $500. They are going fast though, since they were discontinued.

[Zero]

I admit to not being much of a Jolida fan. The only units that have ever perked my interest is the cheap 1301 hybrid integrated, the slightly more expensive JD-202 tube integrated, and the JD-100 CD player. Everything else I have encountered has in one way or another, proven to carry the routine vices of typical cheap tube gear which is to say they are forgettable at best.

While this is a Polk forum, the Lsi series has no business being placed in the mix with low powered tube gear. That’s just a bad recipe no matter which you slice and dice it. The Lsi is a dominatrix of sorts, and needs to be controlled. My own personal opinion on Jolidas house-sound aside, the amps just don’t have the cajones to satisfy the Lsi.

I haven’t spent much time with the Onix SP-3 to form any worthwhile impressions. The price seems right, and you get plenty of power – although many ears I trust claim it sounds more like solid state than tube. Heck, you may even like it. The cool thing is, the amp has enough drive to match plenty of speakers.

If I were in your position; I would look into the Sophia Electric ‘BABY’ SET integrated ampflier, or the Vista Audio i84 integrated amplifier. They are slightly over budget at msrp, and are relatively low powered, but they got it where it counts.

A good speaker to match the above would be either the Audio Note AX-Two or the Jean Marie Reynaud Twin. (The Ax-Two is within your budget new, the JMR Twin is within your budget used).

While this is all personal opinion – that is a great ticket to some rockin’ tube sound.

[Early B.]

While this is a Polk forum, the Lsi series has no business being placed in the mix with low powered tube gear. That’s just a bad recipe no matter which you slice and dice it. The Lsi is a dominatrix of sorts, and needs to be controlled. My own personal opinion on Jolidas house-sound aside, the amps just don’t have the cajones to satisfy the Lsi.

Oh yeah. You're right about that.

I think Polk made a mistake by making its Lsi series as hard to drive as it is. I fear that many people who own them are not feeding them with enough power. I wonder how many former owners didn't like them because of this issue.

[ka7niq]

Here are some alternatives http://www.pacificvalve.us/VTAmps.html
Shanling makes a nice hybrid with 6922 input tubes.
Many times you can get better prices on these amps from other places.

[ka7niq]

Here is an alternative to the Jolida Hybrid http://www.pacificvalve.us/BDC222.html

It doubles power into 4 ohms.
I has a jolida 3 channel tube/mosfet hybrid, liked it too, just a little glare though in upper mids on my 801's.
The Bada seems better made, with better parts.
Has Solen and Wima's in it.

[kelly001]

ka7niq, thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into them (though I kind of have my heart set on the Onix at this point even though I'm not a fan of its esthetics).

Anyone care to comment on Klipsch Heresy speakers?

[dorokusai]

I have an Onix SP3 MkII for sale in the flea market if you're interested. You can't PM yet so drop me a line to my email, dorokusai@verizon.net