Jolida JD9 phono preamp DIY upgrade w/ instructions - Blu-ray Forum

invenio · 03-14-2012, 10:43 PM

I'm continuing my DIY hobby and the latest project was upgrading my phono preamp. It's a great little phono preamp that can be taken to the next level with some simple modifications.

For anybody that is looking to upgrade their Jolida JD9, I made a step by step guide to upgrading the caps, opamps, tubes, and installing dampening material. I hope this guide helps those that are looking to upgrade.

Comments and suggestions always welcome!

Step by Step instruction guide link

jlafrenz · 03-15-2012, 05:01 AM

Have you experienced any issues with heat since adding the dampening material?

Have you tried any NOS tubes? I found I preferred older tubes to what is available on the market new today. I know this subject can be highly debatable.

invenio · 03-15-2012, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

Have you experienced any issues with heat since adding the dampening material?

Have you tried any NOS tubes? I found I preferred older tubes to what is available on the market new today. I know this subject can be highly debatable.

No heating issues whatsoever. The unit runs remarkably cool considering it's tube. I think the fact that the housing is such a large metal container and there are numerous vents, it does not present a problem (I would not recommend covering the vents with dampening material however).

I haven't tried NOS tubes, would definitely like to give them a try if I found a good matched pair at a reasonable price.

jlafrenz · 03-15-2012, 03:01 PM

I really like Amperex tubes in mine. Not always easy to find a pair at a reasonable price though. I haven't tried too many others as I was please with them once I put them in.

I started looking at some other threads on the web about mods for the JD9 and saw that you are using different opamps that the others. They are using AD843KN. Just curious how you chose these and if you have compared them to the others. Not sure I am ready to start cutting and re-soldering on mine, but swapping opamps is a good possibility.

invenio · 03-15-2012, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

I really like Amperex tubes in mine. Not always easy to find a pair at a reasonable price though. I haven't tried too many others as I was please with them once I put them in.

I started looking at some other threads on the web about mods for the JD9 and saw that you are using different opamps that the others. They are using AD843KN. Just curious how you chose these and if you have compared them to the others. Not sure I am ready to start cutting and re-soldering on mine, but swapping opamps is a good possibility.

I actually got the opamp idea from a thread that I found (I don't even recall where anymore). They seemed to have really good results with these so I took a "leap of faith". The opamps are pretty easy to replace so that is a good one to try out. Also, some people use a combination of different opamps as each channel takes 3. One thing I love about the JD9 is that there are so many combinations to try. They give slightly more gain then the stock opamps. Once again, I recommend them.

I got in a good hour of listening last night with the new configuration and it's amazing how much of an improvement there was. The first thing that struck me was that the clarity went through the roof. I can hear vocals crystal clear without any harshness. Also, the unit is dead quiet (I tried turning the volume up with no input) which was a concern as some have said there may be low level noise after upgrading. I really think this unit is competing well with the above $1k phono preamps out there.

jlafrenz · 03-15-2012, 04:55 PM

I am interested in swapping the op amps based upon the fact that everyone says they make an improvement in the clarity of the unit. There is a little confusion as to which ones though as Burr-Brown makes a version and then there are generic versions. I will have to do some more reading on this. I think that I will probably go with different ones for the different stages. It seems that replacing all 6 with the same has given some issues with hiss. I run mine into a passive pre so if there is a hiss it will get passed straight to the amps and be heard. I am interested to hear more of your thoughts with more listening.

Now to find the AudioCircle thread everyone references with the mods to do a little more homework.

invenio · 03-15-2012, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

I am interested in swapping the op amps based upon the fact that everyone says they make an improvement in the clarity of the unit. There is a little confusion as to which ones though as Burr-Brown makes a version and then there are generic versions. I will have to do some more reading on this. I think that I will probably go with different ones for the different stages. It seems that replacing all 6 with the same has given some issues with hiss. I run mine into a passive pre so if there is a hiss it will get passed straight to the amps and be heard. I am interested to hear more of your thoughts with more listening.

Now to find the AudioCircle thread everyone references with the mods to do a little more homework.

The clarity SIGNIFICANTLY increased so it is a mod I highly recommend. One thing you can try is getting only 2 or 4 opamps and you can leave some of the stock ones in. You may find that even switching one in each channel gives you ample improvement (and if you don't like it, your not in it for that much money). The Burr-brown's are generally the most recommended (and that is what I used), but some people have tried other ones with success.

Like you, I was very worried about introducing a background hiss. With the combination of my upgrade components there is none. I tried cranking the volume super high without playing anything and dead silence (that was a relief as I was worried about that as well).

jlafrenz · 03-15-2012, 05:24 PM

I think I just found the AudioCircle thread. I know you have already done your mods, but might be helpful for others looking to make some changes.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=62730.0

Here is another thread that has lots of info.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=344317

invenio · 03-15-2012, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

I think I just found the AudioCircle thread. I know you have already done your mods, but might be helpful for others looking to make some changes.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=62730.0

Here is another thread that has lots of info.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=344317

Yup, read those already.

jlafrenz · 03-16-2012, 03:25 PM

After reading both threads, I think I am going to go with 4 OPA637 and 2 LT1028's. I use the higher gain so the 637 seems to be a touch better. I figured I would stick with the op amp upgrade for now as it is universally accepted as an improvement (especially these specific op amps). After I give these a listen and depending on where I want to take the unit, I will look into caps. Caps seem to be the part that is the most subjective as opposed to the op amp upgrades are pretty standard across the board.

invenio · 03-16-2012, 03:41 PM

That sounds like a good place to start. One thing to keep in mind is that after you upgrade your opamps, you may find that you have to use different gain settings (dip switch and high vs low output). I was using Dip #2 on and low output before, and now Dip #1, high output after. I can't explain exactly why but changing the components does alter the gain a bit as well. Once you do the upgrades, make sure you try different settings as you may find overall improvement. In my case the overall gain with the new configuration is actually lower than previously but clarity and dynamic range have greatly improved. I had the volume up at approx 25% for listening on the previous setup and now I have it around 40%.

As for which upgrades are really important and I think you will find many opinions. I agree that the opamps are probably most important. The sound dampening is least. Tube vs Cap is very controversial although the positive about tube replacement is that it's very easy to do.

jlafrenz · 03-16-2012, 03:51 PM

Interesting about the settings. I pretty much just set them to my cartridge, but I did speak with Jolida once and they said that is only a guide. Feel free to change them up based upon what I liked. I will have to give it a listen and see. I had to cut off quite a bit of the gain using my passive pre to get the listening volume I desired so having it be a bit less will be no trouble at all. I can easily reduce the amount of restriction to increase the volume.

I may see about picking up some of the dampening material as well. Also thinking about ordering some tube rings. Not sure if I think they will help or not. Naturally it is a debatable subject. They are pretty cheap so I figured what the heck and give them a try.

invenio · 03-16-2012, 03:56 PM

I find that the the documentation is a "guide" but experimenting will be significant. Not only do the settings effect volume, but they also effect dynamic range and the overall sound so sometimes it's better to have the volume not coincide with other components but have improved sound. My initial configuration was a vastly different volume level than my CD player.

Let me know how the tube rings work out. I was looking at those but the ones I saw seemed kind of expensive. I think they were going to cost me like $50 bucks which I thought was a little excessive (considering tubes can cost less than that..

jlafrenz · 03-16-2012, 04:04 PM

Volume is far from my concern with my system. My passive unit is stepped and goes up to 23. The loudest I listen is about a 13, so plenty of room to go. You are right about not having each component level matched. The goal is clarity and dynamics. If I have to turn one source up more than the other so be it. I will leave the level matching for when I use my system for HT.

I am a noob when it comes to the tube dampers. There are some very inexpensive silicon rings available on the bay. I think I plan on inquiring some more over on AudioCircle before I pick some up.

jlafrenz · 03-17-2012, 05:00 PM

I've been shopping around for some op amps. Where did you end up getting yours from?

invenio · 03-17-2012, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

I've been shopping around for some op amps. Where did you end up getting yours from?

I actualy found a seller on ebay. I knew I wanted opa637's so I put that in the search box. Just make sure they are a reputable brand,... I recommend Brown-Burr (this seems to be the most popular amongst modders.

jlafrenz · 03-17-2012, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by invenio

I actualy found a seller on ebay. I knew I wanted opa637's so I put that in the search box. Just make sure they are a reputable brand,... I recommend Brown-Burr (this seems to be the most popular amongst modders.

I looked there and on DigiKey. They all seem to be BB from China. What did you end up spending on them?

invenio · 03-17-2012, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

I looked there and on DigiKey. They all seem to be BB from China. What did you end up spending on them?

They weren't expensive, some where around $50. It did take awhile to ship though. That's the problem with ordering from Asia.

roggae · 03-10-2017, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

After reading both threads, I think I am going to go with 4 OPA637 and 2 LT1028's. I use the higher gain so the 637 seems to be a touch better. I figured I would stick with the op amp upgrade for now as it is universally accepted as an improvement (especially these specific op amps). After I give these a listen and depending on where I want to take the unit, I will look into caps. Caps seem to be the part that is the most subjective as opposed to the op amp upgrades are pretty standard across the board.

so where does one acquire these op amps? are these still the accepted standards? thanks guys!!

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03-14-2012, 10:43 PM	#1
invenio Active Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2009 Location:New Hampshire Home Theater Gallery:132 Blu-ray collection:102 Blu-ray reviews:6	Jolida JD9 phono preamp DIY upgrade w/ instructions I'm continuing my DIY hobby and the latest project was upgrading my phono preamp. It's a great little phono preamp that can be taken to the next level with some simple modifications. For anybody that is looking to upgrade their Jolida JD9, I made a step by step guide to upgrading the caps, opamps, tubes, and installing dampening material. I hope this guide helps those that are looking to upgrade. Comments and suggestions always welcome! Step by Step instruction guide link

03-15-2012, 05:01 AM	#2
jlafrenz Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2010 Location:Columbia, MO Home Theater Gallery:48 Trading Score:4	Have you experienced any issues with heat since adding the dampening material? Have you tried any NOS tubes? I found I preferred older tubes to what is available on the market new today. I know this subject can be highly debatable.

03-15-2012, 03:01 PM	#4
jlafrenz Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2010 Location:Columbia, MO Home Theater Gallery:48 Trading Score:4	I really like Amperex tubes in mine. Not always easy to find a pair at a reasonable price though. I haven't tried too many others as I was please with them once I put them in. I started looking at some other threads on the web about mods for the JD9 and saw that you are using different opamps that the others. They are using AD843KN. Just curious how you chose these and if you have compared them to the others. Not sure I am ready to start cutting and re-soldering on mine, but swapping opamps is a good possibility.

03-15-2012, 04:55 PM	#6
jlafrenz Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2010 Location:Columbia, MO Home Theater Gallery:48 Trading Score:4	I am interested in swapping the op amps based upon the fact that everyone says they make an improvement in the clarity of the unit. There is a little confusion as to which ones though as Burr-Brown makes a version and then there are generic versions. I will have to do some more reading on this. I think that I will probably go with different ones for the different stages. It seems that replacing all 6 with the same has given some issues with hiss. I run mine into a passive pre so if there is a hiss it will get passed straight to the amps and be heard. I am interested to hear more of your thoughts with more listening. Now to find the AudioCircle thread everyone references with the mods to do a little more homework.

03-15-2012, 05:24 PM	#8
jlafrenz Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2010 Location:Columbia, MO Home Theater Gallery:48 Trading Score:4	I think I just found the AudioCircle thread. I know you have already done your mods, but might be helpful for others looking to make some changes. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=62730.0 Here is another thread that has lots of info. http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=344317

03-16-2012, 03:25 PM	#10
jlafrenz Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2010 Location:Columbia, MO Home Theater Gallery:48 Trading Score:4	After reading both threads, I think I am going to go with 4 OPA637 and 2 LT1028's. I use the higher gain so the 637 seems to be a touch better. I figured I would stick with the op amp upgrade for now as it is universally accepted as an improvement (especially these specific op amps). After I give these a listen and depending on where I want to take the unit, I will look into caps. Caps seem to be the part that is the most subjective as opposed to the op amp upgrades are pretty standard across the board.

03-16-2012, 03:41 PM	#11
invenio Active Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2009 Location:New Hampshire Home Theater Gallery:132 Blu-ray collection:102 Blu-ray reviews:6	That sounds like a good place to start. One thing to keep in mind is that after you upgrade your opamps, you may find that you have to use different gain settings (dip switch and high vs low output). I was using Dip #2 on and low output before, and now Dip #1, high output after. I can't explain exactly why but changing the components does alter the gain a bit as well. Once you do the upgrades, make sure you try different settings as you may find overall improvement. In my case the overall gain with the new configuration is actually lower than previously but clarity and dynamic range have greatly improved. I had the volume up at approx 25% for listening on the previous setup and now I have it around 40%. As for which upgrades are really important and I think you will find many opinions. I agree that the opamps are probably most important. The sound dampening is least. Tube vs Cap is very controversial although the positive about tube replacement is that it's very easy to do.

03-16-2012, 03:51 PM	#12
jlafrenz Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2010 Location:Columbia, MO Home Theater Gallery:48 Trading Score:4	Interesting about the settings. I pretty much just set them to my cartridge, but I did speak with Jolida once and they said that is only a guide. Feel free to change them up based upon what I liked. I will have to give it a listen and see. I had to cut off quite a bit of the gain using my passive pre to get the listening volume I desired so having it be a bit less will be no trouble at all. I can easily reduce the amount of restriction to increase the volume. I may see about picking up some of the dampening material as well. Also thinking about ordering some tube rings. Not sure if I think they will help or not. Naturally it is a debatable subject. They are pretty cheap so I figured what the heck and give them a try.

03-16-2012, 03:56 PM	#13
invenio Active Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2009 Location:New Hampshire Home Theater Gallery:132 Blu-ray collection:102 Blu-ray reviews:6	I find that the the documentation is a "guide" but experimenting will be significant. Not only do the settings effect volume, but they also effect dynamic range and the overall sound so sometimes it's better to have the volume not coincide with other components but have improved sound. My initial configuration was a vastly different volume level than my CD player. Let me know how the tube rings work out. I was looking at those but the ones I saw seemed kind of expensive. I think they were going to cost me like $50 bucks which I thought was a little excessive (considering tubes can cost less than that..

03-16-2012, 04:04 PM	#14
jlafrenz Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2010 Location:Columbia, MO Home Theater Gallery:48 Trading Score:4	Volume is far from my concern with my system. My passive unit is stepped and goes up to 23. The loudest I listen is about a 13, so plenty of room to go. You are right about not having each component level matched. The goal is clarity and dynamics. If I have to turn one source up more than the other so be it. I will leave the level matching for when I use my system for HT. I am a noob when it comes to the tube dampers. There are some very inexpensive silicon rings available on the bay. I think I plan on inquiring some more over on AudioCircle before I pick some up.

03-17-2012, 05:00 PM	#15
jlafrenz Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2010 Location:Columbia, MO Home Theater Gallery:48 Trading Score:4	I've been shopping around for some op amps. Where did you end up getting yours from?

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