The Jolida JD602a represents a significant upgrade from their prior unit the 601. The improvements are based upon an improved amplifier section, a better CD transport ( JVC ), and the adoption of an advanced D/A converter. I have tested the 602a through two systems. The first incorporates an Audire amplifier section and two Focal custom speaker systems very similar to the Wilson Watt Puppy. The second system incorporates a Jolida 302b amplifier section and two Walkallen "TAOS" speakers.
My conclusion is that the 602a follows the Jolida tradition of setting the standard in price value in the high end audio market. Snob appeal aside, this little unit may be the best CD player under $ 2000 available in North America. The 602 seems to answer all of the problems identified with the 601 - build quality, appearance, transport jitter, and a D/A converter that could be overloaded - and yet retained all of the strengths of the 601, particularily the intimate and smooth mid range response that goes beyond natural sound to just plain realism. The 602 demonstrates a dynamic response and range that is usually associated with the very extreme high end ( in terms of price ) CD playback systems. The high end is distinct, crisp, rapid and detailed, unrestricted by complex passages. The low end is tight and yet very musical. The mid range - where tubes rule - is pure and seductive. You are drawn into the performance by the silken mid range. In its price range there is simply no competition to the Jolida 602a. The only comparable unit is the $ 1000 Parasound, but play Joan Southerland through the two units side by side and the natural sound of the Jolida leaves the Parasound behind.

The 602 also points out that Jolida is maturing well. The 602 demonstrates that Jolida listens well to its customers.

Jolida 602 tubed CD player:
Here is an affordable audiophile CD player that delivers silky smooth imaging
with warm tube sound. A real bargain at about $500. This model is the improved version of last years 601 that got all the rave magazine reviews. It kills
brands costing hundres/thousands more!
The new 602 is now built on a larger all steel chassis with a center mounted
JVC drive. It has 2 tube audio headphone jacks with volume control and a
digital output for recording etc. Now with Reed Solomon D/A converter and
extensively tweaked tube audio stage. Replacing the stock Chinese tubes is a must if you really want to experience your music. Buy this player and keep it till technology produces something better. At $500 it won't hurt so much.
It's like buying a computer, a week after you buy it there is a better way to run your software for the same price. Will it be DVD Audio?.. Not for $500!(yet)

If you like to shop on the Internet and do not have a local Jolida dealer, visit my web page to see the entire Jolida line and perhaps order a JD602 CD player.

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/bizzyb

Paul@Bizzy Bee

The Jolida 602 has a warm, vinyl like sound not usually associated with CD players anywhere near this price point. You can listen to CDs all day without the typical digital brightness. Its like having a turntable that plays 5" discs and its priced just right for those of us living in the real world.

Everybody has different taste and opinions about what the "Perfect" system should sound like. And for that same reason we all should know that the "perfect" system does not exsist. As a dealer of Jolida and a few select other brands, I can asure you that if you are looking for that warm vinyl sound with the clarity and detail of CDs, then the Jolida's JD602 should offer you many years of trouble free musical enjoyment.
If you don't have a dealer in your area, and you would like more information on the JD602, feel free to drop us a line at Response34@aol.com.
Good luck and happy listening.
Bill Baker

Similar Products Used:

I have compared the 602 with players costing upwards of $1,200 and while they do have thier diffrences, the Jolida 602 can not be touched for the price.

I've had this CD player for about 4 months now so I feel I can give my initial impressions. About 6 months ago I started my search for a CD player. My equipment was rather bright so I needed something warm to tame it. I had already bought my Rega 3 turntable as was getting into the anolog sound and was finding myself barely listening to my CD collection. (Since most of my music is on CD, thats a bad thing) So I listened to serveral players. The players I liked were the Rega Planet, the Arcam Alpha 7, the Ultech CD-100 and of course, the Jolida. Basically the other players were really more than I wanted to spend ranging from $650-$850 and in some ways the Jolida is better. They all have kind of a laid back sound, but the Jolida was more full bodied and 3d, even if it didn't necessarly have the detail that the others did. Overall I've been very happy with my purchase and find myself listening to digital about 50% of the time and my vinyl the other 50%.
Since there's not alot of information about this CD player on the web here are some other things about the player:

The 601 had a left mounted CD transport, this one has a center mounted transport.

In addition to the tube output stage this CD player also has a variable solid state anolog output stage and a coaxial digital out.

The player comes with no rubber feet mounted where they look like they should go. My guess is that they probably negitively effected sound so they decided not to put any on. I've found that cork is probably the best thing to use on this for feet.

The tubes that come in the CD player are OK, but you can clean up the bass by replacing with better tubes.

The transport will read regular CD-Rs, but won't read CD-RWs.

The 601a was based on a Phillips transport, the 602a is based on a JVC.

Thats all I can think of for now, good listening.