New face for JoLida

[bikerboy]

Hi,
I finally got the JoLida 502 working. After a tube problem being resolved, I tried to install Auricaps and unknowningly unbridged a circuit trace. So then the left channel didnt work. After many attempts to figure out what I did wrong I gave up. I found a local repair guy, T. Warren to fix it. He said even with the schematic he had to scratch his head a few times before he was able to fix my f!up. After I got it back I ran it for a few days then I installed the Stealth diodes in the power supply and the new Cardas rca sockets. I also moved the power switch to the left side. I used hickory wood for the front. I am trying to do some of what Bill Baker at Response Audio has done with the 502 JoLida. I had removed the volume, balance, and input selector controls the first week I owned the amp. Finally after months of screwing around with this amp I am able to hear how great it sounds. The caps have for the most part settled down and it sounds sweet! It is playing Miles Davis-Kind of Blue in the mancave in the basement and I am upstairs. It still sounds great even when I am one floor away. I still want to replace resisters but no hurry on that. Just listening to Capt Beefheart and smiling.

[Early B.]

Very nice!!

I assume you're using the Jolida as a power amp, correct?
Are you gonna add a sub out?

[F1nut]

Nice job, looks much better than the stock version.

[jakelm]

This is a stupid question, but I'll ask anyways.. Being most of you know I am not familiar with tube amps, by having everything exposed, isnt there a great risk of electrical shock? Tubes exposed, transformers exposed, seems like an accident waiting to happen. Or is all the dangerous wiring hidden and safe?

[Ricardo]

The only risk is that you can burn yourself or damage a tube if yu're not careful, but there are no exposed wires.

[jakelm]

The only risk is that you can burn yourself or damage a tube if yu're not careful, but there are no exposed wires.

Thanks Ric, I didnt know. Some tube amps look more "open" then others. The metal case that the tube sits in, thats exposed, is safe as well?

Dont anyone freak out here, but I am looking into a small tube amp for my PC with my Monitor 4's.:eek: yes, I know..2 channel...:D Just didnt know if it was kid friendly, if they should happen to touch it? You know kids....

[ShinAce]

Tubes run around 150 degrees Celcius. That is the temperature of the glass itself. Definitely not chld friendly. You can feel the infrared heat they give off, just like a fireplace.

[Ricardo]

Plus, if you happen to break a tube, I have no idea of what kind of voltage can be in there...but I'd never try it.

[jakelm]

But as open as it is, nothing can shock you right? If it burns their butts, they will learn, just dont want them to get shocked.

It will be in a safe place, and breaking tubes would hopefully not happen.

[Early B.]

Don't keep tube gear around kids.

[Midnite Mick]

Very nice!

Mike

[F1nut]

But as open as it is, nothing can shock you right? If it burns their butts, they will learn, just dont want them to get shocked.

It will be in a safe place, and breaking tubes would hopefully not happen.

No shocks unless it has an exposed board like the Dynaco 70's.

[madmax]

You should always keep kids away from open tubes. The tubes are just hot enough to scorch the skin. However, if you touch one you are very likely to jump risking breakage of a tube and shock, not to mention ramming a broken tube into yourself. Also, kids would want to pull the tubes out and swap them around for you (just as I would).
madmax

[ShinAce]

The burn risk is worse than the shock. Hot water at 75 C can burn you before you feel it. A tube is guaranteed to burn you to the 2nd or 3rd degree before you react. Might as well touch a stove element.

Tubes run with 2 different voltages. The plate voltage is often hundreds of volts and the filament voltage is around 6 volts. The hundreds of volts really isn't that bad because it is direct current.

[MillerLiteScott]

Nice work. I hope to get a tube integrated at some point for just something different every once in a while.

[bikerboy]

Thanks for the comments and concern for our wellbeing around tubes. Tubes are not bad, kids are! The loaded tube is not dangerous! The loaded operator is! I have had another listen. The caps are shifting again. Now more bite up top and boomin bass! The auricaps are only one week old. Flameon. The song "Do It Again" from Crystal Method's latest release-We are the Night is amazing. Saw them live. Great show. Just one of the reference tunes.
MLS- the JoLida is now just an amp. The integrated part is gone. I use the TAD-150 signature as a wireless remote tube pre amp. So more tubes is good if you ask me.
Wave my bone up at the sun.

[mulveling]

Awesome, I love it!
Looks like a vintage amp, never would guess it was a Jolida at first glance. Great idea simplifying the signal path of those extras; no doubt that's a good approach.

I love that look with tubes and transformers exposed. I hate how most tube amp makers cover up the transformers...the covers usually range from ok at best (my VACs) to ridiculously ugly at worst.

[SCompRacer]

Nice job bikerboy! The TAD-150 is a great pre amp.

[george daniel]

Very nice work,,sweet.:)

[dragon1952]

Very nice...I like the wood.

No jokes please :D