Mr. Lin
Lunatic Member
After years of drooling over this CD player I was finally able to buy a new one this past summer. I am very happy with my choice.
I had previously used a Rega Planet CDP that I was fond of, but the transport died. Not a happy day when I realized that. I haven't ruled out the possiblity of getting a higher Rega model CDP somewhere down the line, but for now I can say the Jolida clearly out-performs the Planet.
The 100A uses two 12AX7 tubes in the gain stage, and has no op-amps. The transport is a Philips CDM 12. Two pairs of RCA outputs, one digital. There's a MOSFET headphone amp built in, but I use my Little Dot I+ headphone amp for that. A heavy remote is included, made of metal. The metal buttons rattle a little if you turn it upside down, but it feels very sturdy and is easy to use, so I have no complaints about that.
I should point out that most of the time I've spent listening to the 100A has been through headphones, I have the Grado 325i. When I have the chance I hook it up to an Outlaw 2150 receiver, which in turn is connected to a pair of Tekton 3.1 speakers - modified - with 3" drivers - incredible speakers but that's another story.
What stood out to me immediately at first listen was the improvement in imaging and timbre. In other words, the sound was more three-dimensional and instruments sounded more realistic, with fuller texture. This had the effect of injecting more life into the music, making it more involving. With better recordings a wide sound stage is possible. Resolution was also enhanced, making it less fatiguing to listen over a long period of time. Like most of the better audio equipment out there, it reveals bad recordings for what they are, but at the same time it's relatively forgiving, and can often tame harsher sounding CDs.
That last sentence will probably lead you to automatically assume the tubes have something to do with it, perhaps rolling off the highs a bit. Here is a good point to report one of the more surprising aspects of the 100A, it's lack of a stereotypically "tubey" sound. In fact, I expected more of it: high and low frequency roll-off, softening of dynamics, a "fat" midrange or overly smooth and lush sound. But the 100A has none of these characteristics. On the contrary, it's sonic signature is fairly neutral, there doesn't seem to be a real emphasis on the midrange (although with certain tubes, my I+ headphone amp can add that sort of coloration), frequency extension seems to be as good as my headphones or speakers can handle, and dynamics have appropriate impact, provided the recording has that to offer. The sound is clear, detailed, and three-dimensional. As for the most important category, musicality, the 100A delivers in a very satisfying way. It is a true pleasure to listen to, and easily the best CD player I've heard (though that's admittedly not a lot in the hi-fi category).
This CD player is actually such a joy to use, I've hardly listened to any records in the last few months. Now, before the analog purists start scoffing, the lp is still my favorite format, and both of my turntable setups are capable of out-performing the 100A. But I have a large CD/XRCD collection, and it is extremely entertaining to go through them all in extended headphone listening sessions. Consequently, even though I don't really need them, I'm now buying more CDs than I ever have before.
Now, I did do a couple things to enhance performance. I'll put that in the next post with pictures, so it's separated from this one.
I had previously used a Rega Planet CDP that I was fond of, but the transport died. Not a happy day when I realized that. I haven't ruled out the possiblity of getting a higher Rega model CDP somewhere down the line, but for now I can say the Jolida clearly out-performs the Planet.
The 100A uses two 12AX7 tubes in the gain stage, and has no op-amps. The transport is a Philips CDM 12. Two pairs of RCA outputs, one digital. There's a MOSFET headphone amp built in, but I use my Little Dot I+ headphone amp for that. A heavy remote is included, made of metal. The metal buttons rattle a little if you turn it upside down, but it feels very sturdy and is easy to use, so I have no complaints about that.
I should point out that most of the time I've spent listening to the 100A has been through headphones, I have the Grado 325i. When I have the chance I hook it up to an Outlaw 2150 receiver, which in turn is connected to a pair of Tekton 3.1 speakers - modified - with 3" drivers - incredible speakers but that's another story.
What stood out to me immediately at first listen was the improvement in imaging and timbre. In other words, the sound was more three-dimensional and instruments sounded more realistic, with fuller texture. This had the effect of injecting more life into the music, making it more involving. With better recordings a wide sound stage is possible. Resolution was also enhanced, making it less fatiguing to listen over a long period of time. Like most of the better audio equipment out there, it reveals bad recordings for what they are, but at the same time it's relatively forgiving, and can often tame harsher sounding CDs.
That last sentence will probably lead you to automatically assume the tubes have something to do with it, perhaps rolling off the highs a bit. Here is a good point to report one of the more surprising aspects of the 100A, it's lack of a stereotypically "tubey" sound. In fact, I expected more of it: high and low frequency roll-off, softening of dynamics, a "fat" midrange or overly smooth and lush sound. But the 100A has none of these characteristics. On the contrary, it's sonic signature is fairly neutral, there doesn't seem to be a real emphasis on the midrange (although with certain tubes, my I+ headphone amp can add that sort of coloration), frequency extension seems to be as good as my headphones or speakers can handle, and dynamics have appropriate impact, provided the recording has that to offer. The sound is clear, detailed, and three-dimensional. As for the most important category, musicality, the 100A delivers in a very satisfying way. It is a true pleasure to listen to, and easily the best CD player I've heard (though that's admittedly not a lot in the hi-fi category).
This CD player is actually such a joy to use, I've hardly listened to any records in the last few months. Now, before the analog purists start scoffing, the lp is still my favorite format, and both of my turntable setups are capable of out-performing the 100A. But I have a large CD/XRCD collection, and it is extremely entertaining to go through them all in extended headphone listening sessions. Consequently, even though I don't really need them, I'm now buying more CDs than I ever have before.
Now, I did do a couple things to enhance performance. I'll put that in the next post with pictures, so it's separated from this one.
All conducting parts are copper, rather than the brass that is typical. 
