Description

I'm blessed to have this modest system that was chosen with performance and cost in mind. Clean sound with a huge soundstage (front-rear, and side-side). Recently treated most of gear with Walker SST. I've also added a Rega Planar 25 and given it a "rock-solid" dampened platform (read about the Rega to get the pun). So at the moment, I'm very comfortable with my system. For the future, I'd consider upgrading the cartridge and the speakers - suggestions for reasonably priced gear are desired. I'm lucky enough to have the family room dedicated solely to audio. (The living room has the TV, fireplace, and other amenities, so I can listen to tunes while my daughter vids out.) Recommendations for audio-related adjustments to the room are also desired.

The Stratos, Tempest, Jolida, and Rega all work well together and, to me, are affordable gear. Please note I feel the Jolida needs, to really shine, the upgraded PC and NOS 5751s. The Tempest, including its phono section, is outstanding. (I don't know how Odyssey makes any money on their products, and Klaus Bunge is a great human being.)

I've incorporated a mint Fisher Model 800-B AM/FM Stereo Receiver (1962) as my tuner. It has numerous pairs of Telefunken, Mullard, and Fisher-branded 12AX7s that got a spin in my JD-100. None of them could touch the Sylvania JHS Gold Label 5751WAs currently in the Jolida JD-100. However, as Albert Porter has commented, different tubes provide different results with different systems.

I note that the pictures need to be updated to reflect latest changes to the system.
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Components Toggle details

    • Zu Audio Omen Definition
    Full range speakers
    • Odyssey Audio Extreme Monos
    Power @ 8 ohm: 1 X 300W (mono)
    Frequency range: 2 - 500,000 Hz
    Memory: 180,000 uF per channel (mono)
    Current Delivery: [greaterthansign]60 Amps per channel (mono)
    Damping factor: [greaterthansign]800 Continuous
    Weight: [greaterthansign]66 lbs. each
    Plintron Transformers: 2x400VA

    Each used in conjunction with a VH Audio cryoed Flavor 4 PC. Each mono amp is isolated on a piece of granite.
    • Odyssey Audio Tempest
    With second set of outputs. Very nice MMC/MM phono section. PC = Chris VenHaus cryoed Flavor 2. Isolated on a piece of granite.
    • Jolida JD-100
    With the following: JHS Gold Label Sylvania 5751WA triple mica black plates, Chris VenHaus cryoed Flavor 1 PC, Herbie's Hal-O 9 tube dampers, all resting on a 22 lb. granite slab supported by Vibrapods. Also has a 12 lb. piece of marble on the top resting on coasters. Tube pins et al treated with Walker SST.
    • Rega Planar-25
    Upgraded subplatter/bearing. P25 on Audio Selection Gold Cones, on 35 lb. piece of 1.5" piece of marble, which also rests on cones. Also installed a Pete Riggle VTAF.
    • Rega RB-600
    This is the stock arm that comes with the Rega Planar 25.
    • Denon DL-103R
    Specifications: Type: Moving coil Output voltage: 0.25mV Frequency response: 20Hz - 45kHz Output impedance: 14 ohms Needle: 16.5 micron round pin Tracking force: 2.5 +/- 0.2g Compliance: 5.6 Weight: 8.5g Coil purity made from 99.9999% (6N) high purity copper wire Applied Walker SST to the cartridge pins.
    • J A Michell Tecno Arm Stub & Counterweight
    Made by J A Michell of England, tone arm stub and counterweight system designed for the Rega RB250, RB300, RB600, RB900 and RB1000 tone arms. Very low center of gravity. Comes with integral stylus balance: to the rear of the counterweight is an aluminium adjuster with markings at 0.1g intervals. Supplied with two weights for cartridges of 3 to 6 grams and 6 to 13 grams. High quality stainless steel. (Photo from The Vinyl Engine.)
    • Pete Riggle VTAF - VTA on the fly
    VTA on-the-fly adjuster for the Rega P25. Works like a dream, a pain to install.
    • Fisher 800-B
    I was using this unit as my tuner, but subsequently moved it to be the bedrock of a bedroom system. Truly a wonderful piece of craftmanship. Information is from link http://antiqueradio.org/fish02.htm. "This gorgeous Fisher 800-B receiver contains some of the finest in AM/FM tube technology and it also personifies a fascinating bit of radio history. One of the first receivers to support true "multiplex" FM stereo (the system in use today), it also supports the obsolete "FM-AM stereo" system that was used briefly during the late 1950s and early 1960s. "Manufactured for only a few years in the early 1960s, the 800-B is one of the most collectible tube-powered Fisher receivers...The 800-B was available with an optional walnut cabinet, although many were sold as bare chassis and built into custom cabinets...The faceplate is a champagne-colored brushed metal, with slightly raised lettering. All Fisher dials of this era look good, but the 800-B's is one of the most appealing. It has separate FM and AM sections, one on each side, with a magic eye for each tuner and the famous Fisher bird logo in the center. Lit with dual lamps on the ends of the dial, the green and gold lettering glows softly, seeming to float in space against a dark background... "The 800-B employs a whopping 22 tubes. Here is the tube lineup. Tube Type Function V1 6AQ8 FM RF amp, oscillator/mixer V2 6AU6 FM 1st IF amp V3 6AU6 FM 2nd IF amp V4 6AU6 FM limiter V5 6BA6 AM RF amp V6 6BE6 AM converter V7 6EQ7 AM IF/detector V8 EM84A AM tuning eye V9 EM84A FM tuning eye V10 12AX7 Channel A phono preamp V11 12AX7 Channel B phono preamp V12 12AX7 Channel A tone control amp V13 12AX7 Channel B tone control amp V14 12AX7 Channel A voltage amp/phase inverter V15 12AX7 Channel B voltage amp/phase inverter V16 7591 Channel B power amplifier V17 7591 Channel B power amplifier V18 7591 Channel A power amplifier V19 7591 Channel A power amplifier V20 12AT7 Low pass and 19KC amp V21 12AX7 38K synch oscillator V22 12AX7 Audio amplifier" I note my unit was part of my dad's stereo, and was a built-in unit. Thus, it lacks the walnut case, which is ok because guests like to see all the tubes!
    • Polk Audio SDA-1C
    Modded Polks making great sound. These now have the RD1094-1 silk tweeters, which is not an insignificant upgrade. Treated internal tweeter/driver/crossover connections with Walker SST, a tweak that has brought these speakers to a new level. Use a custom built A1 between-speaker IC for use with the mono amps. Each speaker rests on a 40 lb piece of granite. Also, note the lobster claw to the speaker's left, from an 8 pounder - the claw was a meal in itself!
    • Kenwood 130CT
    Dual deck, Dolby B/C, and some nice features that keep me playing some of the cassettes I've acquired in the earlier years. Isolated on a 18 lb. piece of marble.
    • Grover Huffman 1.5M and 1M pairs
    1.5M pair between preamp and monos, 1M pair between JD100 and preamp. Ridiculously phenomenal for the $. Grover's great to deal with, but no web site as of yet.
    • Groneberg 1m TS Premium ICs
    relegated to back-up duty
    • Groneberg 1m Quattro ICs
    relegated to back-up duty
    • Groneberg Quattro Speaker Cables
    Nice sounding cables. You can see part of this blue cable in the VenHaus PC picture. I also use carved corks as low-cost cable lifters.
    • Chris VenHaus Cryoed Flavor 1, 2, and 4s
    Great PCs at any price. Flavor 4s run the Extreme Monos. Picture is of the cryoed Flavor 2. The Flavor 1 really brings out the best of the Jolida JD-100. (Blue cable is the Groneberg Quattro speaker cable.)
    • Tubes - 5751s and 12AX7s
    Tubes I've rolled in the Jolida JD-100. Starting at the 3 o'clock position and going clockwise: boxes of the Sylvania JHS Gold Label 5751WAs I use in the JD-100, these tubes are killer in my system (go to Joe's Tube Lore to find out more); Jolida 12AX7s; Sovtek 12AX7LPS; GE JAN 5751 blackplates; two pair of GE JG 5751 triple mica blackplates. I love those old tube boxes, too. Furthermore, all the 12AX7s from my Fisher 800-B receiver (The Fisher has numerous pairs of Fisher-branded Telefunken and Amperex 12AX7s.) have had their respective turn in the Jolida, too.
    • Tubes - Sovtek 12AX7LPS & Jolida 12AX7s
    Never used the Jolida stock tubes, but they'll make nice targets some day out on the back acres. The Sovteks 12AX7LPS were so-so tubes, but I love the Cryllic writing on those red, white, and blue boxes. I used these tubes to burn in the Jolida JD-100 and the VenHaus cryoed Flavor 1 PC. I moved from here to some other tubes, but I think you can get some ok results with the Sovteks if your budget doesn't allow some NOS/NIB stock.
    • Tubes - GE JAN 5751 blackplates
    These tubes were a pleasant surprise, especially for the cost of $4/pair. My rural NH town has numerous antique stores. I found this pair while rummaging one day. They're not on par with the GE JG 5751s or the Sylvanias, but they're better than the Sovteks and many 12AX7s. Did I mention $4/pair?!!
    • Tubes - GE JG 5751 triple mica blackplates
    I purchased two matched pairs, and intended one as a back-up set. These GEs give a very nice sound (especially when compared to GE 5 Stars, which I've tried and subsequently returned to the dealer). Nice overall response, pretty well balanced. Lots of persons like these tubes. Then I had to go and try the Sylvania Gold Label triple mica blackplates, and the GE JG-5751s were soon sleeping in their boxes. Drop me a line if you are interested in these GEs (edit - one very slightly used, just burned-in pair sold; 1 matched pair, unused, available).
    • Tubes - Sylvania Gold Label JHS 5751WA
    These triple mica blackplates moved in and set up house in the JD-100. I haven't heard a tube that works this well with the Jolida, in my system, IMHO. You have to hear these tubes! My ex-wife even complimented the sound of these. I recently purchased a set of Yellow Labels as a back up pair (same sound as the Gold Labels; the Gold and Yellow Label beauties are tough to find, and are getting a bit pricey), and have included that picture.
    • Salamander - Five shelf unit with spikes
    Black lacquer with cherry end caps. Nice basic stand that fits in well for my system.
    • Onzow Zerodust
    Nifty stylus cleaner that works great.
    • Audio Selection Gold Cones
    Excellent isolation cones, used between the Rega P25 & a 35 lb. marble slab.
    • German Physiks Isolation Cones
    Used between ART Q dampers and marble slab, to help dampen the Rega P25.
    • A.R.T. Q-dampers
    Small dark blocks of synthetic graphite; on each block top is brass disk with hole in center to lock cone/spike. See the following link for more information: http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/qdamper_e.html
    • Vibrapods various (1s, 2s, 3s, 4s)
    Used under the marble under the JD-100, and part of the Polk SDA-1C mods. I like them, maybe you should try these low cost tweaks.
    • Herbie's Halo Tube Dampers Model 9
    I use these in place of the Jolida JD-100's stock tube dampers.
    • Herbie's CD Grungebuster Mat
    Easy to use and clean, and it works.
    • Cardas RFI/EMI Protection Caps Signature RCA SS C
    I place these non-shorting, billet brass, nickel plated caps over unused female RCA connectors to shield against RFI, EMI, dust, and corrosion. Love that Nautilus logo.
    • Walker Super Silver Treatment (SST) Contact Enhancer
    A small bottle of silvery paste/goo that has a immediate, positive impact on your system and your listening pleasure. I couldn't believe the results. Be careful applying this product - take your time!
    • Ray Samuels Audio Protector Balanced Headphone Amp
    Ray Samuels latest headphone amp, includes balanced output! Had to have made a balanced output adaptor, and my HD650 cable reterminated with XLR connectors. Will be tough to go back to single-ended amps.
    • Sennheiser HD650 Headphones
    The HD650 headphone, esp. when paired with the Equinox cable, provides a transcending listening experience. Very impressive headphones.
    • Stefan AudioArt Equinox 9' HD650 Headphone Cable
    Aftermarket headphone cable that wonderfully tranports the Sennheiser HD650 to an extremely high level of audio bliss. Two thumbs way up.
    • AKG K701 Headphones
    Another impressive headphone, this time from Austria. Excellent imaging and tonal qualities. Exceedingly comfortable headphones that require about 400 hours of burn-in - be prepared.
    • Grado 325i Headphones
    A nice addition, for the occasional times when I can't use the speakers. Love that Grado sound and look. Also added a pair of Headphile C-Pad mods. Very comfy!
    • Pass & Seymour / VH Audio 8300 MRI 20 amp duplexes
    Deep cryoed Pass and Seymour 20 amp "hospital grade" duplexes, deep cryogenically treated for VH Audio, for use with dedicated audio lines.
    • IsoTek System Enhancer CD
    Full System Enhancer & Rejuvenation Disc - works exactly as advertised. This disc saves me tons of burn-in time on new components / ICs / SCs / PCs, as well as restores my system to optimum listening after being unused for a couple days. Most highly recommended!
    • diffractionbegone Tweeter Felt Surrounds
    Custom fit tweeter felt surrounds that removes/neutralizes reflected tweeter waveforms, resulting in a more realistic sonic presentation. A no-brainer at Jim's intro price.

Comments 33

Owner
System edited: Just changed over the TT to a Rega Planar 25 with Roksan Corus Black cartridge, Incognito VTA adjuster, an Iron Iron Audio Acrylic Platter, and upgraded subplatter and bearing. Looking to upgrade the cartridge to a Dynavector 10x5, or something around that performance/price range.

djbnh

Thanks and keep the great posts coming about your system. It's an asset to Audiogon.

I would still like to listen while enjoying the great view you have :^).

albertporter

Owner
Albert,

Your point is well spoken and taken. I'm glad I penned that my findings pertained to the results with my JD-100 cpd, and included the caveat "at least in my system".

Your three-point test of why some persons like what they hear, and why others do not, should be in an audio primer: 1) specific pieces of equipment, 2) system synergy, and 3) personal taste.

Happy listening!

djbnh

Djbnh, Joe S is a friend and customer of mine. I got him his Soundlab speakers and I know what's in his system. His findings are valid in the context that he tested them and seem to apply to your situation (and taste) as well.

What's difficult about this is WHERE these tubes are tested. In my Wolcott amps, the Telefunken 6DJ8 (stunning tube) sounded terrible. The Mullard white dot gold pin (1969?) is the cats meow.

Take these SAME two tubes and put them in the Aesthetix Io in the output stage (two 6922 type) and the test reverses. The Tele smokes the Mullard.

With the 12AX7 variety, again in the Aestheix Io, the Telefunken is king. No 5751 sounds as good, not the RCA, the Sylvania or any other I have tested.

Point is, your not wrong in your tests and neither is Joe, opinions as to what tube is best changes drastically, varying by specific pieces of equipment (how THAT circuit uses the tube), system synergy and personal taste.

Nice review on your part, just wanted to add my .02 to the mix.

albertporter

Owner
System edited: Added the Fisher 800-B as my receiver. Then, after working on the Fisher to clean away some of the dust, and cleaning all the tube sockets and tubes with Caig DeoxIt Power Booster and protecting the sockets with Caig Pro-Gold, I did some tube rolling of the Fisher's 12AX7s into my Jolida JD-100. (The Fisher has numerous pairs of Fisher-branded Telefunken and Amperex 12AX7s.) None of the 12AX7s could touch the Sylvania JHS 5751WAs currently in the Jolida JD-100. I note a pair of Fisher-branded Amperex tubes sounded decent, but still were lacking in the detail, air, 3-dimensionality, killer mid-range, and overall naturalness of the Sylvania JHS 5751WAs. Two matched pairs of Fisher-labelled Telefunkens (yes, they have the diamond on the bottom) were a big disappointment - unfocused with an amazing lack of detail, little bass, brittle top end: yuck, at least in my system. I note these findings generally parallel those in Joe's Tube Lore re: 5751s v 12AX7s (see http://www.nickdangerous.com/misc/mghead/joestubelore.htm).

djbnh

Owner
System edited: Finally added my dad's Fisher 800-B receiver to use as my tuner. It's a beautiful piece of equipment.

djbnh

Would love to listen with you if I ever travel that way.

It's likely I would be as attracted to that great view out your window as your software collection. What a great setting. No cars, no buildings, nothing but trees.

I'll bet your daughter has great fun living in such beautiful surroundings. Everything including the room, the furniture and the system components appear to have been designed to relax and enjoy. I'm happy for you.

albertporter

Beautiful clean looking setup. I would love to come and listen. FWIW I had a Ortofon X5 on a Thorens 126. I traded a SACD player for a SOTA sapphire and Fidelity Research 64fx tonearm. I bought a Zu xaus phono cable and use the same X5 cartridge. The SOTA/FR/Zu setup was a definite step up and is very tuneful. I am extremely pleased with the performance upgrade vs. the cost.

I am a planar/stat fan so would recommend you audition the usual suspects. Maggies/Eminent Techs/Logans/Finals/Soundlab etc.

But you sure seem to have a sweet setup. Enjoy it!!!!

steelhead

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