Jolida JD-9A Phono Preamp

[BaggedLancer]

Anyone have any experience with this phono preamp? It's hard finding reviews for it and it seems that it's very popular for level 1 and level 2 modifications.

I figured if I'm going vinyl I might as well cement my feet and jump right into it.

The MRSP is $385, but I bet if I hold out long enough I can find a used one on audiogon for in the $200-$250 range. Seems like this one has a little more meat on it's bones than other phono preamps in the same range....

Construction Details and Features:

Phono pre-amplifier that will handle MM, MC and Dynamic head cartridges.
Rated sensitivity at .25 mV – 95 dB.
Two Outputs RIAA, Line stage.
Adjustable settings for cartridge type.
State of the Art Components: Gold plated RCA input jacks.
Low profile full body allows the unit to act as a base for your amplifier or turntable. No need to lose another shelf for a component.
Tube Output.

Technical Specifications:

Frequency Response: 5Hz to 110KHz, (+/- 1 dB)

SNR: > 100 dB
Distortion THD: Less than .02%

Input Impedance: 100Kohms

Output Impedance: 600 ohms
Phono Stage: MM: 70 dB, 5 mV
MC High: 85 dB, 0.5 mV – 1.5 mV
MC Low: 95 dB, 0.25 mV – 0.5 mV
Input Resistance: 100 ohm, 300 Ohm, 1Kohm, 47Kohm
Input Capacitance: 47 PF, 100PF, 150PF, 220PF
Tube Complement: 2 pcs. 12AX7
Size: 17 in. (W) x 13 in. (D) x 2 in. (H)

Weight: 10 lbs., 14 lbs. Boxed
Warranty : Two years parts and labor, one year on tubes



http://jolida.com/catalogue/images/JD9A_big.jpg
http://jolida.com/catalogue/images/JD9A_back.jpg

[Ricardo]

I would recommend the pro-ject tube box II. It is a great phono stage in that price range. I sold mine only because my pre now has a very good built in phono.

[BaggedLancer]

Ricardo, currently I have the Jolida 502b, you don't think this would be a better match being from the same manufacturer?

[Ricardo]

Not necessarily.

Anyway, I am just trying to confuse you. I'm sure the Jolida is a fine pre also. Just sharing what worked for me.

[BaggedLancer]

One of the biggest things I liked about the JD was I can put it under my 502b to save space on my rack. However, I already am beginning to dislike my Salamander rack and want something new.

[BaggedLancer]

Guess not much opinion on this....anyone else have one?

[madmax]

I have an opinion on everything. The Jolida is a great preamp. I recommend.
madmax

[thehawkman]

This preamp has renewed my interest in vinyl. Great unit for the $$$.

[madmax]

Forgot to mention that it has a real ballsy sort of sound. Thats a great thing for more popular music.

[m00npie]

I'll let you know in a few weeks. I just picked one up on AgoN.

[hearingimpared]

I haven't heard it but based on the specs it seems pretty versitile .

The only thing that strikes me odd is how high the gain is on both the MM & the two MC stages. I'm used to seeing numbers like 45 to 48 db for MM and 56 to 68 db for MC. I'm not saying this is a bad thing but this is the first time I'm seeing gain so high. I wonder if with the gain set so high there would be an audible hiss. Maybe they are adjustable gains like my pre.

[madmax]

They are intermediate stages. The highest gain comes from the tube outputs and a lower gain before the tubes. I believe there is a switched value also. VERY versatile. A little hiss out of the last gain setting but it works very well with the lowest output carts.

[analog97]

Rated sensitivity at .25 mV – 95 dB.The only thing that strikes me odd is how high the gain is on both the MM & the two MC stages. I'm used to seeing numbers like 45 to 48 db for MM and 56 to 68 db for MC.

I agree with Joe. Something is wrong or unclear in the specs. Either way you slice it, +95db gain for a MC stage or -95db for "noise" is way off the charts. Sounds like marketing people were involved....

[madmax]

I don't know about the noise spec but the 95db gain seems reasonable. It can output higher than my Manley which is 68 db plus 3 to 12 db with the step up xformer.
madmax

[analog97]

I don't know about the noise spec but the 95db gain seems reasonable. It can output higher than my Manley which is 68 db plus 3 to 12 db with the step up xformer.
madmax

No, I'm still thinking something is askew here. MC cartridges at the LOW output end of the scale put out about .15 millivolt. As such, even 70db gain is plenty. At 67 db gain, this .15mv cartridge would undergo 31,623-fold amplification. Add another 20 db gain (10-fold) to 87db and now you have 316,230-fold gain. At only 80db, this is putting out 1.5 volts! This is WAY off the charts, unless my math is in error. I think the most gain I've seen in a MC pre-amp is about 68db and that setting is for the ultra-low-output MC's. You don't put a 20db step-up transformer in front of that. :confused::confused:

[madmax]

No, the manley has the step-up, not the Jolida. The Jolida is what it is, a VERY nice pre with all the normal steps of gain and an extra stage for those who want it. That is the point, they are offering as much gain as you would ever want. I have actually read where people with .2mV carts feel they have to wind up the preamp gain control too high when using 68db gain. With a .3 cart I could use either the intermediate or last gain section without problem.

[analog97]

I have actually read where people with .2mV carts feel they have to wind up the preamp gain control too high when using 68db gain.

If this is so, then it is more strong evidence that there is something askew with the published Jolida specs. My belief is that the 95db gain as stated by Jolida is WAY off the mark. That said, the Jolida may be a fine and dandy pre. But, as a long-time user of low-output MC's, I just don't understand their specs as listed. Something is definately askew...an MC phono pre with 95db gain is not right. So, again let's look at the published specs:

Output Impedance: 600 ohms
Phono Stage: MM: 70 dB, 5 mV
MC High: 85 dB, 0.5 mV – 1.5 mV
MC Low: 95 dB, 0.25 mV – 0.5 mV
Input Resistance: 100 ohm, 300 Ohm, 1Kohm, 47Kohm
Input Capacitance: 47 PF, 100PF, 150PF, 220PF

I am now thinking that the 70,85 and 95db figures for MM, MC High and MC low are really the "noise" figures, i.e. how quiet the Jolida is. They can't be gain. Rather, they choose to use "sensitivity" figures, from which gain must be inferred. Then again, the fact that MC low at 95db is better than MC high at 85db makes no sense, either if these are "noise" figures because noise is always higher at higher gain. I think that this is a Jolida problem, but I'm glad somebody is at least taking a look at these published numbers.

[madmax]

I can't attest to Jolida's specs because I made no measurements when I had the pre. Not even sure how to do that. With that said it had WAY more output at the higher settings than the Manley or the Acoustech. Look up the Manley, it shows 68 db to 80 db as its output. Why does the Manley have 68 db gain setting plus a 12 db transformer? Don't know. Didn't look it up but I think the Acoustech had 68db output. Is 1.5V output really that outragous?

Didn't understand the above quote. Didn't have anything to do with the jolida.

madmax

[analog97]

Max,

The quote referred to the Jolida published specs from the first post. Again, I do not accept that this phono pre puts out 95db gain. If someone has some data showing me an ultra-low MC cartridge that can handle 95db gain or another phono pre-amp that puts out 95db gain, that will be news to me!!:confused::):) Best regards!

[madmax]

I don't know, 95db gain sounds pretty darn high.
madmax

[BaggedLancer]

http://jolida.com/catalogue/models/jd9a.shtml


Right from the manufacturer site.

[madmax]

analog97 is thinking the number on the site is faulty. Certainly stranger things have happened...
madmax

[analog97]

I got curious, so I wrote to Jolida and asked them to clarify this. I hope the questions I posed can find their way to a real engineer as opposed to a "Marketeer"....:D

[madmax]

Yea, they will probably forward it to the guy who wrote up the specs for the website, ha ha.

[BaggedLancer]

I'm looking foward to the outcome of your response analog......since I will 90% be buying this within 30-45 days.

[analog97]

No reply yet from Jolida. This always bothers me and moves me toward not liking the product. OK, we'll give them more time. Maybe the engineer is on vacation. :D

[madmax]

I hear they are not the best hand-holders over at Jolida. They even charge you if you want a copy of schematics. They know how to do tube equipment though.
madmax

[analog97]

They know how to do tube equipment though.
madmax

Maybe. The jury is out on their customer service and published phono pre-amp specs, however.

[treitz3]

Is this there flagship phono pre? Please excuse my ignorance with this subject, as most of you know I just recently got vinyl back in the rig.

EDIT: I see they have a level 3. I take it that this is the flagship. How would this compare to the one BaggedLancer is eying? Yes, I know Jolida tells you the difference, but it would IMO sway me better if someone [who listens] actually had experience with said product in the listening world and not marketing as an agenda.

[analog97]

Is this there flagship phono pre?

I believe the 9A is the only phono pre-amp made by Jolida. I have never heard it. My interest is only in the misleading published specs. That's why I wrote to them....to get some clarification. I agree that the real test is in the real world of sound and performance as assessed by good ears

[BaggedLancer]

Is this there flagship phono pre? Please excuse my ignorance with this subject, as most of you know I just recently got vinyl back in the rig.

EDIT: I see they have a level 3. I take it that this is the flagship. How would this compare to the one BaggedLancer is eying? Yes, I know Jolida tells you the difference, but it would IMO sway me better if someone [who listens] actually had experience with said product in the listening world and not marketing as an agenda.

I'm just as ignorant as you on this subject which is why I asked here before purchasing it. I'm not interested in it because of it's marketed specs as much as I'm interested in it because it's made by Jolida and could be a nice match with my Jolida 502b but wanted someone else who maybe had the opportunity to try it report back what they found.(that whole synergy thing)

[madmax]

I only know of the 9A, that is the one I had. Maybe you are reading something about different levels from a place that modifies them? www.jolida.com is their website.
madmax

[analog97]

Maybe you are reading something about different levels from a place that modifies them? www.jolida.com is their website.
madmax

Below are the specs I question, as stated on the website for Jolida.

Rated sensitivity at .25 mV – 95 dB

Again, I am saying that 95db CAN NOT be for gain. It could refer to "noise", i.e. SNR. However, they did not publish what this was referred to (i.e what signal, and whether it was A-weighted). I doubt this figure as well, i.e. a -95db SNR that is fairly referenced. That is why I challenged the stated figures and wrote to Jolida. I suspect marketing. Hey, it's 2008. Everyone uses "performance enhancers"...:D:D

[madmax]

I was refering to trietz3 comment about offering different stages.
madmax

[analog97]

I just got a response from Jolida. They tell me the 3 figures (70db, 85db and 95db) listed in the specifications are GAIN. So, i wrote back and asked my question be referred to a technical person and thanked them for the reply. My basic problem is this: If I use my low-output MC (0.3mv) and apply 95db gain, my calculation is that this yields >15 VOLTS output. Anybody know what I'm missing here??:):)

[BaggedLancer]

Sorry analog, im a dummy when it comes to this stuff....what is a more respectable number for volts output?

[analog97]

Take an easy example. A typical low-out MC puts out .5 mv. Every 20db of gain is a 10-fold amplification. So, .5 x 10 = 5mv. Then, that 5 mv requires another 2 rounds of 10-fold amplification, for a total of 60db. A typical MM-input for a phono pre-amp is about 40db. That means 5mv x 10= 50mv x 10 =500 mvolts (1/2 volt). That is a typical case for a low-output MC, generally wanting a total of 60db (usually 20 db coming from a step-up transformer and another 40db from the phono stage).

Moving magnet (MM) carts generally put out about 3-7mv (much higher output than MC'c). So, a typical MM cart needs about 40 db of gain from the phono pre-amp. Note here, that the Jolida MM specs quoted say 70db gain!! Again, something is wrong here. That's why I repeated the question to Jolida and asked for a "technical" person to review.:confused::confused:

[madmax]

If I use my low-output MC (0.3mv) and apply 95db gain, my calculation is that this yields >15 VOLTS output. Anybody know what I'm missing here??:):)


Is it 15V or 1.5V?
madmax

[analog97]

.3mv x 20 db = 3mv
3mv x 20 db = 30mv
30mv x 20db= 300mv (that's an appropriate output to a pre-amp)
300mv x 20db= 3 Volts (that's after only 80db gain)

Another round of 20 db (for a total of 100db gain) takes it to 30 VOLTS!! Remember, Jolida claims 95db gain. That's why I'm estimating 15 Volts. :confused::confused:

[madmax]

I hope they reply. 15V is certainly too high. Aren't really hot line drivers maybe 5V at the most? I will say again that the output is REALLY high on the Jolida if setup that way but certainly 15V wouldn't work at all.
madmax

[analog97]

I will say again that the output is REALLY high on the Jolida if setup that way but certainly 15V wouldn't work at all.

Mad One:

Do you recall what cartridge you used with the Jolida and what setting you used for the input? That could help us figure things out. :)

[madmax]

I used a Goldring 1042 and used one of the MM settings. I went through the tube stage for awhile and then bypassed for awhile. I think when I used the tube stage I lowered the gain value by switching to a different input. At the end before I sold it I used a Benz Ruby 3 cart at full gain. I remember it being louder than my CD setup was at the time.
madmax

[m00npie]

I just bought one of these and after reading this I’m starting to question my purchase. The item is in transit so there is no going back now since it was purchased used. Oh well, I'll give her a run anyway and see what happens.

[madmax]

I just bought one of these and after reading this I’m starting to question my purchase. The item is in transit so there is no going back now since it was purchased used. Oh well, I'll give her a run anyway and see what happens.


Its an awesome preamp. Only the validity of the gain spec on the website is in question. :)
madmax

[analog97]

I used a Goldring 1042 and used one of the MM settings. I went through the tube stage for awhile and then bypassed for awhile. I think when I used the tube stage I lowered the gain value by switching to a different input. At the end before I sold it I used a Benz Ruby 3 cart at full gain. I remember it being louder than my CD setup was at the time.
madmax

That is good information. I also used a 1042. It puts out about 6-7 mv, i.e. a lot!! I used mine with a 40db gain phono pre-amp. Yes, at this level it approaches that of a CD. BTW, at 40db gain, that's about 600-700mvolts. At 60db gain, that's 6-7 VOLTS!! Yet, the spec for the MM gain setting on the Jolida is 70db!!!! Again, we're pushing > 15-20 VOLTS!! :eek:

[thehawkman]

I just bought one of these and after reading this I’m starting to question my purchase. The item is in transit so there is no going back now since it was purchased used. Oh well, I'll give her a run anyway and see what happens.

Not to worry m00npie. Trust your ears. I think you'll be happy with your purchase. I love my JoLida phono stage and have become a real vinyl fan.

[madmax]

Again, we're pushing > 15-20 VOLTS!! :eek:

Maybe they need to attach one of those labels on the output that says "DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE". :D

[analog97]

So, have not yet gotten a response from a "technical" person at Jolida, so I wrote to a reputable dealer for Jolida. He agreed with me that the specs must be wrong and said he would follow this up with Jolida on Monday! Hard to get answers in 2008. Ever notice that it's getting more and more difficult?? :D:D

[madmax]

Yep.
madmax

[analog97]

I have communicated with Jolida several times trying to get a response. I also communicated with a Jolida dealer, Galen Carol, who said he would ask Jolida about my concern. Apparently, all e-mail goes to Michael Allen, President of Jolida. At this time, no satisfactory answer has been received about the gain figures for the Jolida pre-amp. My conclusion is that the published specs are wrong. I believe there is NO PHONO PRE-AMP THAT HAS 95db of GAIN!!!! Like most any potential customer, the lack of response bothers me. Each and every time I have asked POLK CS a question, I get an answer. Wow, POLK does it right, eh? :):):):):):)

[BaggedLancer]

damn still nothing.....I always heard that Jolida had a decent CS too.

[m00npie]

Well, I finally received mine and as with most things, I hookup first, read the directions later:eek:

I put Brother in Arms on the TT and let it play. It sounded like I was standing outside a bar listening to the house band play 'So far Away'

I promptly shut it down and read the manual. I set up the pre-amp based on my Cartridge specs and played the TT again. Not bad, but not much better than the Parasound I was using. I think I have some other things going wrong that I need to start a thread on but as for now, I’ll just say inconclusive.

[analog97]

Finally starting to make progress. Jolida responded to me and asked me what formula I was using to calculate the voltage output. I never knew there was more than one!! :D:D:D:D

dB= 20log(V1/V2)

[BaggedLancer]

hah, sounds like you got a tech person on the other end now.

[analog97]

What's surprising to me is that the president of the company asked me what formula I was using to support my calculations. There is only one and it's been around for a long time. Very strange. I should point out, though that they have responded to me and have assured me they are taking my inquiry seriously. That's all I ask. For those who are interested, see the definitions and formula here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decibel :D:D

[madmax]

It sounded like I was standing outside a bar listening to the house band play 'So far Away'


I heard that same type of sound when I was playing with phono interconnects once. Certainly the Jolida can sound much better than that. Keep at it.
madmax

[mulveling]

What's surprising to me is that the president of the company asked me what formula I was using to support my calculations. There is only one and it's been around for a long time. Very strange. I should point out, though that they have responded to me and have assured me they are taking my inquiry seriously. That's all I ask. For those who are interested, see the definitions and formula here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decibel :D:D
Your calculations and assumptions are absolutely correct. Looks to me like Jolida really dropped the ball here, not a good sign.

More specifically calculating for a 0.3mv cart (just like my low-MC Benz Glider), 95dB of gain gives 0.0003*10^(95/20)=16.87 Volts, so your estimate of 15V was very close. For a bit of perspective, given a typical CD player outputs 2.2V, that means the hypothetical 95dB setting would be 20*log(10,16.87023/2.2)=17.69dB LOUDER than a CD player. That invokes almost SIXTY TIMES the audio power of the downstream components compared to a CD player. This would bring everything to its knees if you accidentally set the preamp volume too high (or switched from CD without adjusting). A completely unusable and dangerous setting that makes no sense - clearly this is not the case; they screwed up the calculations (assuming they even attempted any).

[analog97]

Your calculations and assumptions are absolutely correct. Looks to me like Jolida really dropped the ball here, not a good sign.


Thanks mulveling for the second opinion. I have no axe to grind with Jolida. I just questioned their specs as printed, knew they were wrong, checked the math and sent them a few letters, including their request for the formula I used to calculate the gain estimate. I now have visions of off-shore engineers and on-shore lawyers spending thousands of dollars in "billable-time" dealing with this. These costs will probably drive up the cost of their products! Now, that would be a real shame.......:(:(:(.......still no final response from Jolida......stay tuned, hopefully for a response taking "the high road"....:)

[madmax]

I doubt they go any further with it at jolida. Maybe they will change the number on the website or give a definition of stages or something. Part of it is the way the thing is setup possibly. If you wanted to not use the tube section you could input at the beginning of the chain and grab the output before going through the tube gain section. If you had the same cart but wanted to go through the tube section you could set it differently and do that. My guess is that is why this thing may have so much gain. I think it has 3 or 4 stages all together that you can switch in and out depending on switch settings and where you plug in the output. I'm wishing now I had mine back just so I could play with it and figure out this mystery. :)
madmax

[analog97]

[QUOTE] I doubt they go any further with it at jolida. Maybe they will change the number on the website or give a definition of stages or something. /QUOTE]

Mad One:

You're probably correct. BUT, if they choose to go down this path, that will speak VOLUMES to me. The simple fact is that there is no phono pre-amp that puts out 95db gain. Yes, maybe they will change the specs on their website. Yes, maybe they will be lowered to something reasonable, like 38-44db for a typical MM cartridge and 58-70db for MC's. Something like that....fine..... BUT NOT 95db!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek::eek::eek::eek::e ek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

[madmax]

Yeah, if no one will ever use it at 95 then why even print it?? It just looks bad.
madmax

[analog97]

No, Max....there is NO 95db gain!!!!

[madmax]

Probably not, but if there is... :)
madmax

[analog97]

Probably not, but if there is...madmax


If the pre-amp under scrutiny has 95db gain, then our earth is flat and global warming is pulp fiction.......:D:D:D:D

[analog97]

Here are the published specs for arguably the best phono pre-amp on the market, the Boulder 2008, priced at a mere $33,500. Notice the maximum gain for MC cartridges is 64db.

http://www.boulderamp.com/pdf/2008DataSheet.pdf

[madmax]

I stay towards the center of the earth, just in case.
madmax

[analog97]

Just a tad too warm in the center for me......:D

[analog97]

I have sent several requests to Michael Allen, President of Jolida, to get a response to the apparent inaccurate published specifications of the Jolida phono pre-amp. Thus far, no answers. I have tired in my pursuit. I have to assume there will be no response and that the published specifications for gain are wrong. When will some manufacturers learn that so little respect paid to a legitimate question will hurt their reputation? :(:( Always willing to recant this should an answer be forthcoming.

[mulveling]

I have sent several requests to Michael Allen, President of Jolida, to get a response to the apparent inaccurate published specifications of the Jolida phono pre-amp. Thus far, no answers. I have tired in my pursuit. I have to assume there will be no response and that the published specifications for gain are wrong. When will some manufacturers learn that so little respect paid to a legitimate question will hurt their reputation? :(:( Always willing to recant this should an answer be forthcoming.
It appears (maybe not, but probably) to be a symptom of another company that has little or no hand in engineering the gear it sells; a much more common occurrence in these days of easy information exchange and outsourcing. Now to be fair I owned a Jolida JD100a a few years back and think it was really excellent for the money - a great sounding and fairly well built player that I have no problem recommending for its value. Still, companies that have engineers on staff (or are even owned/run by the head engineer) AND make great audio gear that is truly their own creation, companies that really try to combine solid engineering with artistic creativity and good aesthetic sense, are the ones I hold in highest regard.

Now, normally I'm one to ignore listed-number specs, especially THD and Watts ratings, since they usually say nothing about the quality of gear. However, the gain on a phono stage is of particular importance to insure the right voltage range for a particular system, and botching that number is a pretty big problem.

[madmax]

I really didn't think they would follow up with an answer right away. Maybe in time, maybe not at all. Sounds like they still need some customer service insight as I've heard in the past.

[analog97]

Well, just got an "answer". See below:

The matter has been referred to our engineer and we we should have an answer shortly. We understand your formula, but we do not think it's applicable.

[BaggedLancer]

Well, just got an "answer". See below:

How does it feel to be not applicable?



:D

[analog97]

Most of us get marginalized on a daily basis. Me thinks we gotta get Mulveling's help on this.....he sounds like a card-carrying engineer to me.....:D:D

[mulveling]

Most of us get marginalized on a daily basis. Me thinks we gotta get Mulveling's help on this.....he sounds like a card-carrying engineer to me.....:D:D
Unfortunately I'm only a software engineer, not a Real Engineer. But I did take some college classes with Real Engineers :D

Certainly, when numbers look fishy (like here) I like to try and figure out what's going on!

[analog97]

Mulveling, I have double-checked the exact math. 0.3millivolts at 95db gain =16.87 volts. I used to run a 7 mv MM cartridge. At the Jolida 70db gain, that's even worse!!! 22.12 volts!!!!!!!!!!. We now have a bio-medical scientist and a software engineer asking PE's for an explanation. :cool::cool:

[SCompRacer]

Well, just got an "answer". See below:


Stay on them! Not applicable. LOL

I was speaking with someone who is familiar with that phono stage. He didn't measure the output, but said it was capable of extremely high gain.

[analog97]

I first wrote to Jolida President Michael Allen on January 10. I have followed up with four letters. Gonna try again, but the basic message here is that this man has, by his failure to respond, left an indelible and negative imprint on me. When a company does not take a legitimate inquiry seriously, their reputation suffers deservedly. Caveat emptor!!!!! :(:(:(

[BaggedLancer]

Did anything come of this ever?

[analog97]

No, 4 requests to Michael Allen, President of Jolida have not prompted him to reply. I think everyone should write to him and crank up the pressure. What a lousy thing for an audio company to do!!

[BaggedLancer]

Well despite fubar specs, I decided to go ahead and order one anyway to give it a try. I'll be ordering a new table this weekend wtih some new interconnects.....now if I could just find someone to help me set this up and get it all configured right.....mhardy....where you be? :p

[analog97]

I'm from Pittsburgh, but setting up most new tables is usually pretty easy. Regas are a snap. Projects and MH's are as well. A nice inexpensive tool is the Shure stylus force guage as sometimes TT's lack an accurate setting for this. A small bubble level is helpful as well.

[BaggedLancer]

Just got off the phone with Walter at underwood hifi...he has tested the Jolida and found the gains to be 40, 55, and 70. He also said he tried to have a conversation with Michael Allen about it and it was like talking to the wall. Allen is convinced it's 95 db and won't change his statement.

[analog97]

Bagged,

Congratulations on getting to the bottom of this. Gains of 40,55 and 70 make sense. As far as Michael Allen is concerned, I guess it's just another case of "Don't bother me with the facts. My mind is made up". :D:D Me thinks this is false advertising and he should change the published specifications.

[BaggedLancer]

Bagged,

Congratulations on getting to the bottom of this. Gains of 40,55 and 70 make sense. As far as Michael Allen is concerned, I guess it's just another case of "Don't bother me with the facts. My mind is made up". :D:D Me thinks this is false advertising and he should change the published specifications.

No problem, glad I found someone that had the knowledge of the output and actually did testing to prove it. He also said that this phono preamp, despite the ridiculous published output specs will run with those in the $1500-$2000 range without any issues.

Now it's just a matter of deciding on what table. Project RM5 or MMF7.1 I'm thinking. The VPI scout is just too far out of my range right now and it's just too much of a table for me I think. Walter at underwood offered me a great deal on an MMF7.1 with the Goldring Eroica cartridge and I think I'm gonna take him up on his offer.

[mulveling]

Great job guys, putting in the due diligence to get to the bottom of this! Looks like Jolida needs a little training session on Ohm's Law, decibels, watts, and logarithms :D

[MillerLiteScott]

How does this Jolida Phono Pre Amp sound?

[nikolas812]

How does this Jolida Phono Pre Amp sound?

I am curious also.

[BaggedLancer]

I can't really give a good review till I get a new table....and it certainly isn't fair to compare this piece to the Aiwa phono preamp I was using.....so you'll have to wait on my review.

I can tell you this though, it's freaking amazing the difference it made on my junk TT....I can only imagine when I get the new one in.

[nikolas812]

Looking forward to your review.

When do you expect to get a beter table?

[BaggedLancer]

Looking forward to your review.

When do you expect to get a beter table?

I have one on hold...just a matter of whether I can afford to pay it off. There is something else on my plate that I have been waiting a LONG time(1 year 2 months) for and it might be coming through in the next week....so I have a feeling that is going to steal some of my funding....we'll see.

I mean...technically I could just buy the Pro-Ject RM5 now, or I could wait a little and get the Music Hall MMF7.1 that I really want. Not sure what I want to do.

[Face]

I heard one at m00npie's, it sounded fantastic!

[thehawkman]

I heard one at m00npie's, it sounded fantastic!

I agree that it sounds fantastic out of the box but if you replace those stock
"firecracker" tubes with some EH 12AX7 gold pins it takes it to a higher level.

[BaggedLancer]

Still waiting on a tracking number for my new turntable. Should be here by tomorrow along with my 180g pressing of DSOTM. Gonna be some sweeeeeet listening this weekend hopefully.

[nikolas812]

Sweet!!

[BaggedLancer]

FINALLY tracking information is showing a delivery date of this week on the turntable, damn backorders. Considering I broke my other table gonna be an ipod week for now.

[royphil345]

Using the reduced outputs recommended for use with an active preamp or receiver, my JD-9A still seems to put out a little more than most phono stages rated at 40dB / 70dB. Since only one set of specs is given and they're high... I'd have to assume they are for the higher outputs I'm not using.

The higher outputs obviously put out far more than any other phono stage I've ever used... So high in fact, I wouldn't want to use them with an active pre... So, I'd have to assume the gain is considerably higher than an average 40B / 70dB phono preamp.

I'm no math whiz... but common sense is telling me the JD-9A is capable of considerably higher than average gain. Are you sure about those calculations? Take cartridge loading into consideration? Is voltage increased by a phono preamp or current?

[m00npie]

I agree that it sounds fantastic out of the box but if you replace those stock
"firecracker" tubes with some EH 12AX7 gold pins it takes it to a higher level.


That is exactly what Face got to hear. I replaced the stock tubes as soon as I received the Pre with the Electro-Harmonix 12AX7-EH GOLD.

[madmax]

The higher outputs obviously put out far more than any other phono stage I've ever used... So high in fact, I wouldn't want to use them with an active pre... So, I'd have to assume the gain is considerably higher than an average 40B / 70dB phono preamp.

I'm no math whiz... but common sense is telling me the JD-9A is capable of considerably higher than average gain.

My thoughts exactly when I hooked up mine.
madmax

[analog97]

1. The Jolida specs are false
2. The math is correct (see earlier posts)
3. The Jolida President Michael Allen refuses to answer fair questions.
4. Jolida can take a hike.....I could never buy anything from that company. Caveat emptor:eek::eek::eek:

[royphil345]

That is exactly what Face got to hear. I replaced the stock tubes as soon as I received the Pre with the Electro-Harmonix 12AX7-EH GOLD.

I thought the stock tubes had nice mids, but they seemed to lose it a little at the frequency extremes and get a little grainy. I've been running the Groove Tubes Mullard copies for awhile. They retain a little extra warmth in the mids, but seem to do better at the frequency extremes. Nice improvement. I've heard good things about the Electro-Harmonix gold pins. I'm going to give those a try too. Keep putting it off because I'm actually pretty satisfied with the sound of my vinyl these days.

Hope everyone gets as much enjoyment out of their Jolidas as I'm getting out of mine :)

[royphil345]

1. The Jolida specs are false
2. The math is correct (see earlier posts)
3. The Jolida President Michael Allen refuses to answer fair questions.
4. Jolida can take a hike.....I could never buy anything from that company. Caveat emptor:eek::eek::eek:

Am I to assume then that you don't actually own a JD-9A, so you can't experiment a little and find the JD-9A OBVIOUSLY has CONSIDERABLY more gain than 40dB / 80dB?

Since Jolida sells simple, classic, designs that often aren't updated for years... and they are a company that strives to offer tube gear for less by cutting costs... It would make sense that they probably don't keep designers on full time to answer your questions about products that were designed and tested years ago. I don't think MANY companies could answer the kind of questions you're asking about a product... and I think your math is screwed up... Caveat emptor:eek::eek::eek:

[analog97]

I don't think MANY companies could answer the kind of questions you're asking about a product... and I think your math is screwed up... Caveat emptor

1. My math is correct. But, please feel free to double check and report your differing findings or point out what you believe to be my error.
2. Please refer to post #82.
3. I continue to believe that all honest questions deserve an answer. There is no excuse for an audio company refusing to answer a simple technical question about their product. Failing to do so will lose many potential customers.

[Dennis Gardner]

3. I continue to believe that all honest questions deserve an answer. There is no excuse for an audio company refusing to answer a simple technical question about their product. Failing to do so will lose many potential customers.

Ask Polk Audio for frequency response graphs for their speakers....the silence will be deafening.

[analog97]

I am referring to published specs by Jolida that are in error. There are many proprietary concerns by audio companies that are fully understandable. If Polk Audio published a speaker sensitivity of, say 125db, that would be similar to the Jolida out-of-wack published spec. OK?

[madmax]

A polk speaker with 125 dB sensitivity! :eek:
I want a pair!
madmax