I ROLLED The TUBES on MY AMP! Am I REALLY Hearing a DIFFERENCE？
United States of Analog | January 21, 2025
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is about tube rolling – the process of replacing vacuum tubes in a tube amplifier to potentially change its sound characteristics. The host Bob is planning to replace the tubes in his vintage Jolida 202A tube amplifier and test whether he can actually hear a difference in sound quality.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Jolida 202A tube amplifier (circa 1994): 40 watts per channel into 8 ohms, first generation model, originally cost $650-$750 but host paid around $500-$600
- Large Advent speakers (1970s): Host still owns them upstairs, has re-grilled them
- Klipsch Heresy 3 anniversary edition speakers: Used with the Jolida amp
- Custom horn speakers from The Horn Shop (1990s): Featured 3-inch full-range Fostex drivers, designed for corner placement
- Fisher or Scott tube amplifier (vintage): Mentioned from host’s first tube amp experience in Austin audio shop
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- [00:01:08] Acknowledges tube amps can be “too warm” with “rolled off bass” and “less than exciting highs”
- [00:02:31] Describes tube sound as perfect for a “Sunday morning system” – smooth and warm but not hyped up
- [00:02:46] Notes vintage tube system wasn’t “ultra clear” or had “extended bass” but was “inviting”
- [00:03:54] States this amplifier is “for people who love music first and love gear second”
- [00:03:46] Says tube amps work well for jazz, classical, and female vocals
- [00:03:49] Warns it won’t rock Led Zeppelin effectively
What are the host’s main recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- [00:04:05] Recommends pairing the 40-watt Jolida with “very efficient speakers” due to its modest power output
What are the host’s notable comparisons between products?
- Compares the custom horn speakers favorably to his current setup, saying the Jolida “tore those up” (performed very well with them)
Any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:01:28] “It’s like the Cartier tank of amplifiers” – describing the Jolida’s build quality and design
- [00:01:44] “Always just caught my eye even if it hasn’t always caught my ear. Hey that’s pretty clever. Hey I got to write that down.”
- [00:00:08] Playful opening: “You ever roll tubes before? What? Oh come on you gotta roll the tubes every once in a while.”
Summary
In this opening portion of the video, host Bob introduces his tube rolling project with his vintage Jolida 202A amplifier from 1994. He begins by sharing his personal history with tube amplifiers, describing his first encounter with tube sound at an Austin audio repair shop where he heard a Fisher or Scott amplifier paired with large Advent speakers playing classical music. This experience gave him the impression of tube amps as “Sunday morning systems” – warm and inviting but not ultra-detailed or bass-heavy.
Bob provides context about his Jolida 202A, which he’s owned for years and currently uses in his jazz listening setup called “Strummer.” He’s candid about the limitations of tube amplifiers, acknowledging they can sound too warm with rolled-off bass and less exciting highs, while also noting they excel with jazz, classical music, and female vocals but aren’t ideal for rock music like Led Zeppelin. He emphasizes that this type of amplifier appeals to people who prioritize musical enjoyment over technical specifications.
The host discusses his speaker pairings with the Jolida over the years, including Klipsch Heresy 3 anniversary editions and custom horn speakers from The Horn Shop featuring Fostex drivers. He stresses the importance of using efficient speakers with the amp’s modest 40-watt output and describes the amplifier as built like a tank with an attractive art deco aesthetic. Throughout this introduction, Bob sets up the anticipation for the actual tube rolling process while providing valuable context about tube amplifier characteristics and his personal audio journey.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Gear, products, or brands discussed:
- [00:04:44] Savane tubes (Chinese company) – Classic series
- [00:05:55] PrimaLuna amplifiers (mentioned as having self-biasing feature)
- [00:06:36] Jolida 202 amplifier from the 90s
- [00:06:54] EL34 power tubes (four tubes)
- [00:06:57] 12AT7 preamp tubes (two tubes)
- [00:06:57] 12AX7 preamp tubes (two tubes)
- [00:08:31] Multimeter/voltmeter for biasing
Host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions:
- [00:06:16] Host’s expectations: hopes the Savane tubes will provide “sweetness, maybe a little more bass and a little more of that high end, what I call excitement”
- [00:06:30] Goal is for tubes to “give me a little more of everything”
- [00:06:30] Acknowledges “excitement” is “not exactly an audiophile term, but I’m going to use it”
- [00:07:30] Considers lack of subwoofer output “a big disappointment”
- [00:07:32] Notes subwoofers weren’t as prevalent “back in the day”
Audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content:
- [00:05:06] Use microfiber cloth when handling tubes, avoid touching with fingers
- [00:05:28] Important to buy matched pairs/quads of tubes for equal output
- [00:06:12] Manual biasing should be done “every few months or so to keep all the levels straight”
- [00:07:16] Suggests occasionally trying 4 ohm speaker taps instead of 8 ohm “just to see if you get better sound”
- [00:07:39] Tube removal technique: “just a little bit of wiggle and a little bit of force. You don’t want to use too much. You don’t want to bend those pins”
- [00:07:48] Clean old tubes for storage as “it’s not unusual for tube amp owners to have several different sets of tubes to get different sounds”
- [00:09:06] Biasing process: dial in 40 millivolts for each tube using multimeter set to 200 millivolts
Memorable quotes or strong takes:
- [00:05:01] “Oh man, there’s something about opening new tubes that’s so exciting”
- [00:05:28] “I know tubes like a good relationship. You’ve got to have a good match”
- [00:06:04] “I know nothing about electronics. I’m not even sure I know how to use a voltmeter”
Summary:
The host begins the tube rolling process by introducing Savane tubes from China that were sent for review. He emphasizes the importance of using matched tube sets and proper handling techniques, while acknowledging his limited electronics knowledge. The focus then shifts to describing his 1990s Jolida 202 amplifier, detailing its simple front panel controls, various tube complement (four EL34 power tubes, two 12AT7s, and two 12AX7s), and basic rear panel connections.
Unlike modern amplifiers with automatic biasing, the vintage Jolida requires manual biasing using a multimeter. The host explains this is necessary every few months to maintain proper performance levels. He expresses disappointment about the lack of subwoofer output but contextualizes this as typical for the era when subwoofers weren’t as common.
The demonstration concludes with the actual biasing process, where the host uses a multimeter set to 200 millivolts to dial in the target 40 millivolts for each preamp tube. He shows the sensitive nature of the adjustments needed and works through biasing each tube systematically. His expectations for the new Savane tubes include improved “sweetness,” more bass response, and increased high-frequency “excitement” – hoping they will enhance the overall sonic performance of his system.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- [00:10:15] Savane Horizon Series tubes (set of eight tubes, under $300)
- [00:10:20] Jolita amplifier (from the 1990s)
- [00:11:06] Klipsch Heresy 3 speakers
- [00:11:19] Waxwing DSP phono preamp
- [00:12:07] JJ preamp tubes
- [00:10:49] Test records: Van Halen’s 5150, Kenny Burrell’s Midnight Blue, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors (45 RPM)
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:11:38] The host considers the $300 tube set “a pretty sound investment” to keep the Jolita sounding great for the next decade or two. [00:11:55] The Savane tubes delivered the excitement in the high end and detail he was looking for. [00:12:00] He noted significant improvements in separation and soundstage width. [00:14:08] His previous setup was “way too warm, too much warm, and not enough dynamic energy.”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
[00:11:38] The host recommends the Savane tubes as “a pretty sound investment” for long-term amplifier performance.
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
- [00:10:12] “You should give tubes some burn-in period”
- [00:13:39] The tubes aren’t even burned in yet after only 2-3 hours of use
- [00:13:44] He expects the Savane tubes will get “sweeter and sweeter” with more time
- [00:14:00] Bright highs should become subdued and more warmth should return with burn-in
How did the video wrap up?
[00:14:22] The host expressed excitement about continuing to dial in the tubes and invited viewers to “join me again in the United States of analog.” [00:14:28] He transitioned to promoting another video that YouTube had selected, hoping it would be “another analog product,” before signing off with his standard closing.
Memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions
[00:14:08] “But my Jolita with the previous tubes was way too warm, too much warm, and not enough dynamic energy.”
[00:13:44] “I think these Savane Horizon tubes, once they get a little more time on them, are going to get sweeter and sweeter and sweeter, and everything is just gonna come out just right.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host concludes his tube rolling experiment with the Savane Horizon Series tubes in his 1990s Jolita amplifier. After listening to three test records – Van Halen’s 5150, Kenny Burrell’s Midnight Blue, and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors – he provides detailed impressions of the sonic changes. The Van Halen record revealed some limitations with bass extension and slight edginess, which he attributes partly to the recording quality and the natural characteristics of tube amplifiers with hard rock music. However, he was pleased with the increased detail and excitement in the high frequencies that the new tubes provided.
The Fleetwood Mac and Kenny Burrell records showcased the tubes’ strengths more effectively. The host was particularly impressed with the dramatic improvement in soundstage width and instrument separation, noting details he had never heard before on his Jolita setup. He specifically mentioned hearing Lindsey Buckingham’s 12-string guitar emerge with newfound clarity and the horns and guitar on the jazz record sounding more detailed, full, and rich. This represented a significant upgrade from his previous tube configuration, which he felt sounded somewhat monophonic.
Despite only having 2-3 hours of listening time on the new tubes, the host considers the approximately $300 investment worthwhile for keeping his amplifier performing well for the next decade or two. He anticipates that the tubes will continue to improve with proper burn-in time, expecting the bright highs to become more subdued while retaining the improved detail and dynamics. His previous setup suffered from being overly warm with insufficient dynamic energy, and the Savane tubes appear to have addressed these issues effectively. The host concludes with enthusiasm about continuing to optimize the new tube setup.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
