Response Audio Jolida/RAM SIGNATURE amplifiers

Bill Baker · « **on:** 10 Jan 2003, 04:02 am »

Hello everyone, If you have clicked on this post, you are interested in or already own a Jolida or RAM product and may be looking for further information. I receive several email inquiries daily regarding these products and feel it may be better to start answering questions here. This would allow my answers to reach a larger audience rather than one at a time via email.
Response Audio has introduced their new line of RAM Signature Hybrid amplifiers utilizing the Jolida Hybrid units as their platform. There are now a lot of questions regarding these units as well as having currently owned stock units sent in for the RAM modifications. If our website does not answer your questions, feel free to ask them here.
We will also try to answer all your questions regarding the complete Jolida line of products.
Please only post questions or comments regarding the Jolida or RAM products. Inquiries on other products in our lineup can still be submited via email.

2channelguy · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Jan 2003, 07:13 am »

Hey Bill. Is there any difference between the 301 and the 701 besides 20 wpc? Also, I noticed you have a section that is supposed to list the price of RAM upgrades for current Jolida owners but the prices are not listed. This is of interest to me because I'm thinking about starting off with a stock Jolida and then getting the RAM upgrade later.

Also, I'm not into big speakers. The biggest I would see me going is something along the lines of Paradigm Reference 40's or maybe Axiom floor standers. So how far could the 301 take me?

Lastly, is there a sub-woofer out-put on the 301 or would I need the RAM upgrade for that.

Thanks!! Hope you get you're own forum!

2channelguy · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Jan 2003, 07:26 am »

OK one more question. How much breathing room would a 301/701 need. Right now all my stuff is in an entertainment center. I'm able to give my solid state NAD about 3.5'' of room on the top without any problems. I'm not opposed to switching to a seperate rack but my wife might be a tougher sell.

Thanks!!

JoshK · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Jan 2003, 02:38 pm »

Wanted to say, welcome to our circle!

Bill Baker · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Jan 2003, 03:01 pm »

Hello 2-channel,
I am glad to see you started out with one of the most frequently asked questions. There are a few differences between the 301 and 701/501. Given the physical size difference, there is not room for the DACT attenuator in the 301, insteed we have removed the volume pot and balance control and installed dual mono volume pots. The 701 & 501 utilize a DACT attenuator but no balance control.
Choosing the proper piece for your needs would depend on your room and listening habits. The 301 is very capable of driving most speakers but best suited for smaller rooms or speakers with higher sensitivity to obtain a fuller presentation. If you are looking for more control in the lower end, the 701 may be better suited for the application. For my personal taste, the RAM 301 drive my pair of Totem Tabus nicely. Beautiful midrange and upper end but not as deep as these speakers are capable of.

A subwoofer output is an option for all these units. In fact I just finished up one unit that had additional RCA outputs installed for a Sub out and tape out.

I will update the RAM modification price list shortly. Current prices for having currently owned units modified is as follows: $500/$700-301/701. These prices are actually a bit cheaper than buying a Response unit but would not come with a RAM face plate, power cord or the proper 12AU7 tubes.

Breathing room? The Jolida Hybrid and RAM amplifiers require only about 2-3 inches of ventalation. Using only signal tubes, they do not get as hot as some people may assume. Many home theater receivers get hotter than these units.

Hope this helps. Keep in touch with any further questions or concerns. By the way, looks like they gave us our own forum. THANKS to all those involved.

2channelguy · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Jan 2003, 09:47 pm »

Thanks Bill! That helped a lot.

mrtlaf · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 Jan 2003, 02:53 am »

Agree w/2 channel - the sell for a rack system is tough with the spouse. I recently purchased a Jolida JD-100 modified CD player and really love it and am looking to upgrading my Anthem 3 Series II amp for an integrated amp for stereo listening and also for incorporating in my home theater set-up.

Am getting the Monitor Audio GR-60 in the next couple of months and have a rather large room (20'x19' w/12' ceilings; wood floors, 5 large windows w/not much else other than furniture to absorb the sound.

Bill: Which of the Jolidas or RAMs would you suggest. Listen to all kinds of rock, jazz. no classical. Never too loud though since only time to listen is at night after everyone else is in bed. Notice that you state that you have several new products coming out this quarter. Any insights?

Thanks for the feedback.

Mike

Bill Baker · « **Reply #7 on:** 21 Jan 2003, 03:18 am »

Hi Mike,
The GR-60s are a fairly easy speaker to drive with their 90dB sensitivity. The 6 ohm rating should pose no problem for the 701 or 501, even in such a large, live room.
The RAM 701 or Jolida 1701 would allow these speakers to reach very high SPL levels while also providing a good low end foundation.
For more "slam" in the bass, the 501 may have more low end control at higher listening levels. Both units will have excellent low level resolution for your late night listening and will also integrate nicely into a home theater setup.
If used in a home theater setup, I would highly recommend that any of your 2-channel sources be hooked up directly to the amp, bypassing whatever processor or receiver you may be using for HT.

New Ventures??? Yes, we have a few debuting in the forthcoming months. One will be the RAM Signature source component as mentioned on another thread here.
The one that excites me the most is one I can say the least about. All I can say is that it will be all tubes and will also be another Response Audio exclusive. I will post further info on my website by the middle of February.

Keep in touch with any further questions or concerns you may have regarding your future system upgrades.

mrtlaf · « **Reply #8 on:** 21 Jan 2003, 10:37 am »

Bill:

Thanks for the feedback. Do you have any photos and specs on the RAM 501 and 701? Your web site mainly deals w/the RAM 301

Thanks

Mike

Bill Baker · « **Reply #9 on:** 21 Jan 2003, 03:30 pm »

The specifications and detailed pictures are not yet ready for the site. The site will be redone with a seperate page for each RAM product.

For the past five years, the website has been a "down-to-earth" location for information on the products we carry. We are not sure if we want to veture away from this idea but do want to clean it up a bit with seperate pages for some products.

As soon as the face plates are done and the pictures are ready, I will update the site. We should have "spec sheets" done shortly.

whistler · « **Reply #10 on:** 23 Jan 2003, 11:36 pm »

I have a 1501RC with no subwoofer out. What are my options for hooking up a sub? I am using Totem Mites (which I love) but I'd like a bit more low end.

thx
Bob

Bill Baker · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 Jan 2003, 11:45 pm »

Hello Bob,
The 1501RC is the only unit we cannot install a sub out into. I do have many customers running speaker level outputs to their powered sub from this amp with very good results. I do NOT recommend using the tape out as the level is to high and you could damage the amp in the sub. ( Same with any Jolida hybrid amp with this option added).
Another option would be to go with a nice little passive sub to fill in where those Mites leave off (about 80 Hz works with the Mite, I have a pair here). If you choose this route, make sure it is wired in a way that maintains a 4 or 8 ohm load. This will depend on the sub you look at.

whistler · « **Reply #12 on:** 24 Jan 2003, 12:18 am »

Bill
Thanks for your response. Dumb question - what are speaker level outputs and how do I hook this up?

thx again
Bob

Bill Baker · « **Reply #13 on:** 24 Jan 2003, 12:26 am »

Speaker level outputs - run a sperate speaker cable from the binding post on the back of the amp to the subwoofer just as you would hook up a pair of speakers. The subwoofer is getting the signal just as a speaker would, but not drawing the actual power to run the sub.
A subwoofer's manual provide the information on options of hooking up their product.
If you are unsure of the proper procedure, there is nothing wrong with asking questions first. It could save you from ending up with a fried piece of equipment.

OlgaShesterneva · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 Feb 2003, 10:05 pm »

Hello, Bill

Which Jolida integrated amp (in a sub $1000 cathegory) would you recommend for "large inefficient"

Maggies 1.6QR? I realize that JD3000A/B is the best choise but I can't afford it at the moment

Thank you,
Olga

Bill Baker · « **Reply #15 on:** 22 Feb 2003, 10:18 pm »

Well Olga, You are correct, the 3000 monoblocs would take these speakers to their limits but priced a bit higher than your $1k limit.
I do have people running these speakers with the 60 watt 502 with very good results. Personal taste and listening habits are always a consideration.
Another option, not 100% tubes, is the RAM 501 or Jolida 1501. Maggie fans tend to like these amps due to thier smooth tube sound from the input section and control and authority from the 100 wpc solid state amp section.

NorthMorgan · « **Reply #16 on:** 22 Mar 2003, 07:40 pm »

Bill, you make mention on your site to integrating the Jolida Hybrids into home theater, specifically the 1501 and 1704s. Could you elaborate on how to acomplish a home theater setup based on a good 2-channel base?

Thanks in advance,

Eric

Bill Baker · « **Reply #17 on:** 24 Mar 2003, 02:33 am »

Good questions, maybe I should start a new web page for Jolida HT.
Anyway, running good integrated amps in HT is becomming very popular and now even the tubes amps are being integrated into HT.
Here is the reasoning and how:
If you have a decent HT preamp or receiver with preamp outs for the main channels (2 fronts), you can run them into, let's say, the 1501 to power your front speakers when running. This would allow the 1501 to power your front speakers in home theater mode. Same goes for using the 1703 or 1704 for your rear and center speakers. Again, your receiver/preamp must have preamp outs.
Now, you would run your dedicated 2-channel source components, ie; CD player, turntable, etc., straight into the 1501, bypassing the receiver for 2-channel playback. Being an integrated unit, it give these pieces flexibility and versatility.
This is Jolida HT in a nutshell. If you are still unclear of how to hook this up or the benefits of doing it this way. Feel free to give me a buzz. I have helped set up many home theater systems based around the Jolida Hybrid and/or tube integrated amps to give the best for 2-channel music AND home theater.

bundee1 · « **Reply #18 on:** 24 Mar 2003, 05:39 pm »

Hi and welcome,
I have a few questions;
1) I have pair of JMLab Chorus 706 speakers that are a bit harsh when paired to an Arcam A65plus. Im looking for something to tame the highs, would you recommend the 1501rc ? If not, which integrated would you recommend?

2)Do you accept trade-ins?

Bill Baker · « **Reply #19 on:** 24 Mar 2003, 05:47 pm »

I am not familiar enough with the Arcam piece to know how the 1501 would compare. I have heard that Arcam has a warmer sound as compared to a lot od SS gear.
The JM Labs tend to be a bit "agressive" in the upper end. I don't know if bright would be the best description. Maybe a bit more aggressive than you like?
One of the Hybrids would help a bit with the upper end due to their tube input stage and would also have good lower end control with it's SS output section.
For the smoothest midrange and upper end, one of Jolida's tube integrates would be the best choice. The Hybrid would fall in - between what you have now and an all tube version. Wouold this be enough to tame to your liking? I cannot answer this question. Only your ears would know.