Jolida JD100A Vacuum tube CD player Review

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(More customer reviews)When my old Sony CD player skipped out, I knew it was time to invest in a new player. Having a decent system with 2 NAD amps in mono, and a very bright room with hardwood floor, I searched for a *vacuum tube* design that would *mellow out* the harshness of the digital onslaught that made me run instead of sit and listen.
There are not many choices for a tube CD player out there for under $1000. In fact I found approximately 3 or 4. I searched the internet for reviews, and kept seeing how people kept calling the Jolida JD100 the best CD player out there for the money. My decision was 1) to spend around $600 for another tinny box made by BRAND X, with decent D/A converters and an OK transport, or 2) should I invest in this hulk of a box that is made like a WWII battleship, that has the great Burr Brown D/A converters, vacuum tubes, and the rock solid Phillips CDM transport system, and spend 50% more?
I just couldn't resist the tubes however, considering my bright room.
The music speaks for itself. By comparison to what I had, my bass is now punchy, my midrange has amazing presence (I can hear as they take breaths before they sing), and my highs reach the heavens without sounding shrilly. There is a warm, rounded sense to my system that I have never heard before, and I find that I can now sit and listen for hours without feeling like I just went 15 rounds with a prizefighter.
Here's what the company says in their owner's manual: "The JD 100A Vacuum-tube Compact Disc Player combines the proven sound quality of vacuum tubes and the convenience of the digital format. Our design objectives are 1) Sound quality, 2) High standards of build quality and sound quality at a value price, and 3) a high level of reliability and long life."
Oh, by the way, if you want, there are sites on the net that can "upgrade" your Jolida (e.g. different tubes that will craft the sound to your system and taste) if you so wish. Not that this is necessary however, since this Jolida already comes with two Chinese 12AX7A vacuum tubes that will have a smoother, rounder sound that people using solid state amps would benefit from.
No, this beauty is a real looker, may be a bit on the hefty side (that's the way I like 'em) and sings like there's no tomorrow! She's built to withstand time, sounds beautiful now, and I'm told she sounds better after I break her in a little!
I think it's love ; )

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