12AX7 preamp section into very clean MOSFETs, two tape loops, remote, ample line inputs.

Haven't found a thing I don't like yet. No phono stage, but I don't have a lot of vinyl.

I have to add my rave review to the growing list of Jolida followers. The Jolida hybrid amp series (of which the 1501 is the flagship in their strange numbering scheme) is a great way for anyone with a good ear to get into an excellent, clean sound without spending a ton of money. I have a 1501RC, the newest iteration of the 1501 which sports a pushbutton line-selection front panel, two tape loops, and a remote control (for switching between sources, controlling volume, standby/on modes). Right now, I have it mated to Sony CD and MD players, my VCR (has inputs labeled for a video source), and a Dyna FM-3 tuner.

Jolida has chosen 12AX7 dual triode tubes as the preamp phase. These tubes are AMAZINGLY abundant, both in NOS and in new-production forms. One tube for each channel R/L; running the signal for a single channel through a dual triode reduces impedance. The result is wonderful. The solid-state amplifier section cleanly and clearly conveys all the warmth of the preamp tubes without any of the "lack of bass" blamed on all-tube systems. The whole thing is powered by a HUGE toroidal transformer: the unit weighs in at about 35 pounds. It has no problem driving my (albeit old) Kossfire speakers with aplomb.

Tinkerers will love the tube section; right now, I have NOS Brimar CV4004/12AX7s, and am getting great results. I bought the unit from Bill at responseaudio.com, definitely one of the most pleasant purchasing experiences I've ever had. The unit was supplied with Sovtek 12AX7s, Bill supplied an upgraded pair of Phillips 12AX7WAs at no extra charge. Fast, personal service.

The unit seems to be amazingly well-constructed. From what I've gathered, Jolida owns a factory in China which does the bulk of the manufacturing, and the final touches and testing are performed here in the US. Don't let that deter you; I've had the thing apart, and the job is very well-done. I've even called Jolida with a question or two, and they're very helpful over the phone.

Excellent unit. I would recommend it highly to the budding audiophile who likes the harmonic color of tube sound but doesn't have the money to buy a tube preamp and pair of tube monoblock amps. In some ways, I think it sounds better than the tube-only systems I've heard. Its design allows a very advanced, clean, powerful MOSFET system to amplify very accurately the preamp tubes. And you can find 12AX7s just about anywhere, of new or old manufacture.

Similar Products Used:

H/K 401 dual-power
Onkyo receiver (years ago, can't recall model number)
Various and sundry Sony home-theater receivers.

Natural transparent and defined sound, controlled bass, well built

none yet

I had been looking to upgrade my old integrated amp for a while and auditioned several different models in this price range. My first audition was the NAD's which get great reviews, my experience was that they sounded very artificial and there was no air or soundstage. I then tried the Creek which did sound noticeably better though also lacked soundstage and the bass was very thin and almost non existent. I tried the Rega which I would have to say is a very detailed and revealing amp but sounded too grainy. I was getting discouraged by what was available in the price range. About that time I found the audioreview web site and a Jolida 202 at a local shop. With the Jolida there was a magic to the music that walked all over the other amps I had previously auditioned but the bass lacked control. Following this audition I scanned audioreview and found the Jolida 1501 and ultimately bought it from gcaudio.com for $550.00. Galen Carol Audio was very knowledgable and a pleasure to deal with.

This amp sounds like music- the way it is supposed to be! The bass is very controlled and seems to be less boomy. Bass drums are very defined and actually sound like a drum instead of just a low pitched blob. The midrange is very clear and dynamic offering insight and rythym to the music that the others (with exception of the 202) did not match. Overlapping sounds can be distinguished from each other. The treble is clear and seems to extend up a little higher than the 202.

I have experimented with several currently made tubes, I have not had the opportunity to try any NOS tubes. With the stock chinese tube the bass seemed a bit thin and the ss's in speach or song were anoyingly exagerated. The Sovtek 12ax7LPS made the music flatten out and loose dimensionality. The Jan Phillips 12AX7WA sounded much more refined and improved the bass and vocals. My current favorite is the Ei ECC83 which seems to improve on the Jan Phillis tube by filling out the voices a little better and improving the soundstage.

If you are looking in this price range I definitely recommend this amp.

Similar Products Used:

rega luna, Creek 4330, NAD 317 & 340, Jolida 202

Solid State Power, Warm Sound Of Tubes, a steal at $650!

No tone controls.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank Bill Baker of Response Audio in Endicott, NY. This is my first high end system and Bill basically put the whole thing together for me. I purchased everything you see below but the speakers from Bill. However, using Bill's expert advice, I listened to the Dynaudio Audience 72 loudspeakers from a local dealer and bought them right on the spot since they had the "warmth" & bass "slam" Bill said they would. This entire system gets better and better the more I listen to it. And it really wows my non-audiophile friends who can't believe it cost "only" $3000! Before Bill, I didn't know the difference between an audiophile interconnect cable and a 99 cent patch cord. Take my advice and call Bill Baker at 888-785-9773 if you are just catching the hi-fi bug like myself. You'll be glad you did. Check out my killer starter system:

Jolida 1501RC Integrated Hybrid Amp ($650)
Jolida JD603 Tube CD Player ($550)
Clarity Emberglow Interconnects ($85)
Clarity Speaker Wire ($160)
Dynaudio Audience 72 Speakers ($1,439)

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo Receiver.

None

This integrated amp is the best amp for the price that anyone could buy. The sound is crystal clear, it has more than enough power, and the price is the greatest deral you could ever have on a product of this quality. One of the main reasons that I purchased this amp was Bill Baker at Response Audio. Although, I could not demo this product because I was too far from the store, Bill gave me an offer I couldn't refuse by saying that he would give me a full refund if I wasn't completely satisfied by it. Obviously, I was completely satisfied, and after the sale, Bill did not stop helping.
Bill sent a complimentary pair of tubes that he felt are better than the tubes installed by Jolida, and the new tubes were not working right, so Bill, without any hassle at all, sent two new tubes promptly to my house. The new tubes worked great, and this is why dealing with Bill Baker is such a pleasure. Response Audio is a GREAT company to buy from, and their Jolida products are amazing. I also bought the Clarity Wires Emberglow interconnects, which offer indescribable signal transfer.
Bill Baker is a pleasure to do business with, mainly because he will be there for ANY problem you have with your product.

Big Time Value.Sound quality.Simplicity.

None.

I do not think one can do better for the balance of sound,especially for the money.The Jolida 1501 hybred is detailed,sweet midrange,good bass reponse.I listen to Doobies,John Hiatt,B.Raitt,Yes to blues and contemporary jazz.I swear I am hearing details,like background singers more focused ,instruments etc.Of course everything is recording dependent.My other equip. consists of a CalAudio DX-1 CD PLAYER,Audio Concepts "Spirit" spkrs.I have not heard the real exotic stuff etc. Levinson,C-J,Classe,
AR and the like.Yeah,you might get better bass,mids,high end but for substantially more money.I highly recommend this unit.Feel free to contact Bill Baker at www.responseaudio to discuss any Jolida products.
If you are interested in the real high end ,but don't have the bucks this is the unit to at least audition you owe it to yourself.

Similar Products Used:

NAD.Adcom 5300,Adcom GTP 450 pre-tuner.AMC int.amp,Acurus.

Transparency of tubes, power of solid state, simply styled, solidly built with quality parts. PRICE? A STEAL!

Original tubes could be better, so just don't complain, get some Sovteks or even better! There's only 2 inexpensive tubes to buy so "Just do it!"

This amp embarrasses my expensive Naim equipment. When you spend thousands it's hard to keep an open mind about an amp costing $650, but it does embarrass my Naim stuff.

I've been dealing with by Bill Baker of Response Audio (888-785-9773) who is an excellent fellow and a Jolida dealer. A true no pressure type of guy who wants you to be happy with your purchase.

I had listened single ended triode tube equipment and liked the transparent, open, non-fatiguing sound...but hated the lack of power. With the 1501 you get the best of both worlds. Voices and plucked strings seem so real and natural compared to all solid state designs. Yet the bass is powerful and deep with the largest toroid I have ever seen! I have listened to this amp A LOT on all types of music, at all volume levels and remain very impressed.

Placement of instruments, voices, etc. is precise, soundstage depth is good and side to side imaging excellent. Incidentally Bill was nice enough to let me try a pair of the fabulous interconnects he distributes called "Clarity Wires" which just go so well with the Jolida.

The amp seems to need a long time to break in. There's got to be a 1/2 mile of wire in that huge toroid! But when it does watch out...because you'll want one. If you are strapped for cash then get the little 30 WPC model 301 which will set you back only $350!!!! It has 99% of the sound quality of the 1501 and will drive most speakers well. The 1501 is a bargain, the 301 is an out-and-out giveaway!!

Anyone out there want to buy some Naim equipment??????

Similar Products Used:

Naim 140, Naim 250, Decware Zen Amp, Hafler

great sound, power, easy connects, value, value value

wish it had a remote

Clarity, power, produces a great sound stage. Very detailed. No harshness as in solid state amps.

Mostly an incredible value. I paid under the list of $650.00

Purchasing at Galen Carol Audio was easy. Galen's a nice, helpful guy with great prices and good advice. Drop shipped from factory in perfect condition.

JoLida is a small company that produces high value tube and tube-hybrid amps. Unfortunately they don't yet have a website, so you'll have to look at specs from a dealer's site.

I also purchased their 603 tube CDP for under $500. Great combination.