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Post by sounder on Sept 27, 2010 21:46:33 GMT -5
I have been collecting vinyl again for a while. So, I've got a Projekt RPM 5 with the Blue Point No 2 cartridge with 2.5 mv output. I also have a Jolida JD 9A tube preamp. So, I'm wondering about the performance of the USP with this preamp. Anyone using this combination? Should I get rid of the Jolida and just use the phono preamp built into the USP? Will they work well together?
Recently, I've been using the MMC-1 as a preamp with the Jolida, but as I'm changing rooms around, I am going to make a separate room for the 2 channel system. I'm thinking of the USP as a preamp, with the Jolida, and will likely only use the system as two channel with the turntable as the only source.
What do you think? Will I notice an improvement over MMC? Should I sell the Jolida to finance the USP? I have read a lot of USP reviews and believe it's a good preamp, but will it rival the tubes?
Steve
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Post by jlafrenz on Sept 27, 2010 22:57:39 GMT -5
Both units provided an improvement in sound over the MMC-1 to my ears. You can use the Jolida with the USP-1 if you want. Just connect it to an input other than the Phono Input. The nice thing about the Jolida is that you can roll tubes to tailor the sound to your liking. What I would do if I were you is see which phono stage you prefer. If you like the USP-1 then your set. If you like the Jolida, then you could add a separate volume control quite easily. This is how I have mine set up.
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Post by sounder on Sept 28, 2010 22:16:11 GMT -5
Why would I need a separate volume control? Doesn't USP have a remote control for the volume?
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Post by jlafrenz on Sept 28, 2010 22:36:29 GMT -5
Why would I need a separate volume control? Doesn't USP have a remote control for the volume? You would need a volume control if you use the Jolida. You could use the USP-1, but I honestly don't see why you would need a full blown pre-amp when all you would be using it for is the volume control and you would only have one source. I figure just have the Jolida feed the amps directly. This is if you decide to use it over the USP-1. |
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Post by sounder on Sept 29, 2010 19:32:54 GMT -5
The jolida is a tube phono preamplifier. So you are saying I'd only need a volume control with the phone preamp. I guess I could do that, but I'm not sure I'd get the quality of sound, plus a remote control in a volume control unit for any less money than the USP.
What I hear you saying is that I won't hear much difference in sound quality with or without the phono pre. I'm going to give it a shot, and I'll post what I learn.
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Post by sounder on Oct 5, 2010 13:43:05 GMT -5
Well, I got my USP. I listened to several albums both with and without the jolida preamplifier. The built in phono preamplifier is very nice, and very quiet. However, there is a big difference with the tube preamplifier. I hooked the jolida to an aux input and compared to the direct connection. The jolida is much smoother, has a fuller midrange, and better overall sound balance. The soundstage is better. I'm going to keep it this way. So if you were wondering how USP compares to an outboard preamplifier, i say it's worth listening. In my case it's tubes versus ss, and it makes a difference. Then again, the jolida costs almost as much as usp, so it's a value call for you to decide.
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Post by jlafrenz on Oct 5, 2010 14:09:48 GMT -5
If you like the Jolida now, you might want to try some tube rolling. I found the stock tubes were OK, but with some vintage tubes it really has a sweet sound.
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Post by roadrunner on Oct 5, 2010 18:22:21 GMT -5
Sounder,
Both are very good phono amps. Tube phono stages will always have a "warmer" sounding output than ss. It definitely sounds different, but that may not mean it is better -- just different. Over the years I have read many comparisons of the tube vs solid state phono stages and most of them point out the warmer sound. They also point out the primary reason it sounds warmer in the mid range is due to the inherent distortion with tubes. Both are capable of excellent sound reproduction. Some people will prefer the tube stages because of that warmth while others will prefer the solid state solution because it is more detailed and accurate.
Part of the great sound stage you are hearing from your tube phono stage is the USP-1. It has one of the best soundstages I have experience with stereo preamps... it has great synergy with tube phono stages. You get the benefit of both technologies with that particular combination. Listening to LPs through good systems is one of the most satisfying experiences in all of audio. After 45 years of listening to LPs, on both tube and ss systems, I have yet to listen to music via any other format that has proved to be as safisfying. ;D ;D ;D
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Post by sounder on Oct 8, 2010 14:50:03 GMT -5
Thanks! JL, what tubes would you recommend I start with?
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Post by jlafrenz on Oct 8, 2010 18:04:03 GMT -5
Thanks! JL, what tubes would you recommend I start with? That is difficult to say because your ears and system will be different than mine. I am currently using some Amperex tubes in my JD9. I also have one in DAC. In my 2 channel room I have a Jolida using some Sylvania's. It really just depends on what your tastes are. Some times you just have to try some and see how they sound. Here is a couple of links to get you started on some tube info. www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d.pl?audio/faq/joes-tubes.htmlwww.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htmThe Jolida uses 12AX7. |
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