Anticipation: Jolida’s FX10 Integrated Amplifier

I first became interested in Jolida’s glass-enclosed, cube-shaped integrated amplifier when I saw the cute, little thing at the 2008 Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. I wasn’t even drunk. I was, in fact, completely sober. I mean, look at it. It’s so adorable! And then I heard it.

I was impressed by how far its 10W could go without stressing out too much, even when partnered to a pair of 88dB loudspeakers. How might the amp sound when mated to something more efficient?

Jolida’s Michael Allen told me that the amp was geared toward a younger audience—besides being cute and small, it has a front-panel iPod input, and costs just $450—and, of course, I liked that about it, too.

For many months, I kept it in the back of my mind, on some long, messy list of “gear to check out,” and then I pretty much forgot about it.

When it was decided, however, that I’d have my own monthly column in the magazine—the first installment of “The Entry Level” will appear in our January 2011 issue—I began researching affordable loudspeakers. I requested a few review samples, including the 92dB Klipsch Synergy B-20 ($279/pair).

Then one night, after a long party, I stumbled up the three flights of stairs to my apartment and found, blocking the entrance, a large brown box. What the hell is this? I wondered. I turned the box to one side and saw the logo: Klipsch.

It was right at that moment, drunk and staring down at that big brown box and knowing what was inside, knowing the promises of efficiency and ease, that it occurred to me: Match these speakers with that cute, little Jolida amp!

And so here it is. I can’t wait to see how things go.

COMMENTS
krell100's picture

Haha it looks like a fish tank... but that could be the wine... :)

Drtrey3's picture

To see one is to want one. Can't wait to hear about it.

300Binary's picture

But, but, Mr. Mejias, you are not even fifty, yet...

Buddha's picture

Really looking forward to seeing what you think!

Tube_Guy's picture

Can't wait for the review. Should be a very sweet sound with the Klipsch's. Perfect for the bedroom.

ken mac's picture

Stephen...re Record Stores of the Week, how bout New York's own Jazz Record Center. In business since 1983, 30,000 jazz LPs, books, DVDs, CDs, posters, t shirts, memorabilia. 236 West 26th Street, #804 (Fred Kaplan is a regular). If only I could convince owner Fred Cohen to have the Thorens TD124 repaired...

http://jazzrecordcenter.com/

Ken Micallef

desertblues's picture

can't wait to read the review-this might work in my (small) den.

quadlover's picture

What is the status of Jolida in the US? There has been alot of information on the issues between the China company and its US importer, Jolida of Maryland, including claims of fraud, counterfeit products and much much more. I have seen where the Chinese company is looking for a new distributor in Canada, U.S. and Mexico.

dm's picture

I just bought this amp from spearitsound.com and it's probably the best sounding amp for the price on the market, i am not new to tubes, i have a mcintosh mc275 am and c20 preamp, i bought this amp to replace my office system which is the dynaco st70 and pas 2 and sorry to say vintage folks, it sounds much better, better highs and mids, and at 10 watts a channel you get tons of sound, i have them hooked up to b&w bookshelf speakers, and the best thing is you don't have to worry about getting it repaired every couple of years! it's all new

NYC_Bill1001's picture

Do not EVER buy anything from Jolida. Two capacitors went bad and they kept my amp for over TWO MONTHS and charged me almost $300 to fix it. NO APOLOGY whatsoever except to tell me their "systems weren't the best". $300 for two capacitors. Two months. No contact from them. EVER.

Their stuff is just rebranded Chinese crap anyway.

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