Review! The JungSon JA-1/JA-99C preamp and amp combo (Standard Version)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 10 лют 2020
- A deal so good that you'd have trouble building it for less. This is my review of a legacy pre-amp and amplifier combination from JungSon!
Intro Music by: Christian Anderson - 'The Flap of a Butterfly's Wing'
To buy or gather more information on the stack, go here:
www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/j...
To e-mail them directly:
china-hifi-audio.com@hotmail.com
Unfiltered behind the scenes content can be found here:
/ zerofidelityhifi
#ZeroFidelity #JungSon #Chinahifi
------------------------------------------------------------
Gear used in this review
AMR CD-777 SE
amr-audio.co.uk/products/cd-7...
Harbeth P3ESR
www.harbeth.co.uk/hifi-speake...
Rosso Fiorentino Elba 2
rossofiorentino.com/elba/
Dynaudio Evoke 10
www.dynaudio.com/home-audio/e...
Buchardt Audio S400
www.buchardtaudio.com/shop/s4...
System Audio SA-Legend 5
system-audio.com/product/sa-l...
Tekton Design Double Impact
www.tektondesign.com/double-i...
Klipsch Cornwall IV
www.klipsch.com/products/corn...
Klipsch RP600M
www.klipsch.com/products/rp-6...
Triangle Australe EZ
www.trianglehifi.com/en/produ... - Наука та технологія
Once again a killer video/review ! Zero Fidelity the UA-cam hi-fi guru. Thanks again Sean.
Update: The VU Meters began working again (3 / 4 / 2020). This is why I don't usually mention stuff like this in reviews. Sometimes sh*t like this happens. A cable connecting the VU meters to the main board must not have a great connection.
Good things come to those that wait ! nice Sean thanks again !
Fantastic review, as always - thanks Sean.
This or the Japanese-made Marantz PM-8006 Integrated Amplifier that you reviewed some months ago? Thanks.
@@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker If you prefer a balanced sound with features, go with the Marantz. For everything else, go with the JungSon.
A tale of two manufacturers. Antagonized of my old DAC, yesterday, I ordered a Schiit Modi 3 -- from Amazon instead of Schiit because of Amazon's 30 day return policy. It arrived today before noon. (And it cost from Amazon because of Schiit's shipping quote.)
Thanks, Sean. Always luv your reviews ..... esp. on Chi-fi gears.
I had the JA-88D integrated when it came out. Awesome beast.....Awesomely heavy beast!
Great to see u giving review support to old Chinese Brand and compare them to more modern gears.. I really enjoy and thank you.
Again thank you for the review!. Fast Recovery of your hand.
0.... you are my favorite reviewer IN THE WORLD. The next future Audiophiliac, who also my fav :) I got my 40th Anniversary P3ESRs thanks to you :) Never stop!!!!! We need you...
Oh and i forgot to say I really enjoy your channel dude subscribed!
Damn that's a good lookin setup, great lookin amp, I'd actually consider giving that a try for awhile over all my vintage stuff.
Many reviewers nowadays shy away from China HiFi gear, big ups to you for showing us there are hidden gems out there and without the Uber premium price tag!
That's because they assume we make 6 figure salaries
very informative and useful review as always.
My favorite review from Zero Fidelity.
Great reviews Zero!
Awesome 👌 love that Balance in and out connection .( XLR )
The best review Ive seen in a long time !!!!
Great and true review of great product!
Great review, thank you.
I own a Doge 8 clarity preamp and I love it,that is after I found just the right tubes,in my case Telefunken,
with those it beat out my 6 k Arc preamp for real.
Great review,I would have checked the wires for the meter..Anyway I am kicking around the idea of a Dartzeel clone,
I know you touched on it briefly but between this and the denafrips stack which one is overall better?
May I ask, what would you think about pairing this Preamp with a pair of the Iotavx pa3 in monoblock mode, in the hopes of getting more transparancy? My logic is also, removing unnessesary (to me)/electrical components from the pre like the dac and digital ins.
Thinking Cambridge CXN V2 to this Preamp to a pair of Iotavx PA3s.
How far did you fill up those stands? I read somewehere you should fill them 3/4 and did so. Not sure if I did the right thing.
Hi Zero, love your channel, quick question - @11:10 you say that the midrange produced by the stack is "forward that projects sound in a forward way". Does that mean that I will hear vocals more prominently? You know, like the singers will be closer to me? Or are you referring to midrange like I'd hear the instruments closer to me? And @16:15 you say that the Hestia/Hyperion stack has more "refinement" and has a "cleaner more audiophile" sound compared to JungSon, does that mean that if my goal is to have the absolute clearest vocal reproduction that I should favor the Hestia over JungSon? I guess I don't understand what is the difference between "forward midrange" vs "cleaner sound". Which attribute draws the most attention to articulate vocals? Or should I be looking for a stack that does both?? (in which case, any suggestions?). Help me understand. Keep up the great work!
Do you recommend the amp for infinity kappa 7.1? I also have a sansui au999 with marantz tt15
Question : how would you rate the preamp alone , did you pair it with other power amps ? thanks ...
I need to reduce the number of boxes and wires in my system. Do the Chinese make any excellent integrateds or receivers?
Compared to the Kinki amp ? and is it possible to turn of the light of the amp , or dimm it ?
Thanks for your video.
In your opinion, talking only about amps... What do you prefer, JungSon JA-99C or Denafrips Hyperion?
I would like to include one of them in my equipement paring with my current tube preamp...
Thanks again.
Excellent review. I just wish I had the confidence to purchase gear like this as there's no way to hear it in Wales prior to buying. So I'd be buying blind. The blue light looks fabulous though.
Great review! Sounds like an awesome value/intro piece. Love the blue meters but they definitely look too bright for a room with the lights off.
I've long wanted to murder the people sticking blue LED's in/on products. Back in the day, blue LED's were a holy grail. But then they figured out how to make them. And they got stuck on everything. Problem is, blue is a super-short wavelength, so tons of light hits your eyes in far less time than any other color. There's a reason they use red lights in planes. Nice, soothing long wavelength. No doubt these things would send out enough light to read by, such a shame. Love to know if it can be shut off. Red would be so much cooler.
@@slidetek I really like the color blue but the LEDs included on equipment are all too intense. A single blue LED on my DAC sitting on the floor is enough to take me out of the music but nothing a bit of electrical tape can't take care of.
Does this compare favorably with the Haaken AX-7?
Have you done a review on Sonos Amp? If so do you know what speakers pair well with it? I know it’s probably not a popular choice but just curious how it compares
hi Sean...I'm from Chile, I always watch your reviews and I just need a little advice. I have a chance to buy the Jungson JA-99 power or the Parasound Halo A23 + ... which one would you choose? I listen a lot of jazz, smooth jazz, many instrumental music and funk (sometimes). For now my source is a Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 DAC, a NAD CD player and a Technics SL1200 MKII. I have Kef R300 loudspeakers and a pair of JBL L112. Thanks a lot and I really appreciate your help!
Would bookshelf speakers work with this or do you need more powerful speakers like the floor standing speakers
Thank you! I was actually being tempted buy this setup, the price is still tempting. I believe you've saved me. I just got new Cornwall's. I absolutely love my tube amp's but was wanting to play with a solid state class A.. Looks like I'm going with something from Pass.
Hey man.. Hmm. If you're going to get a Pass amp to go with Klipsch, I would suggest one of the First Watts. That should be a solid match.
@@ZeroFidelity
Yea.. I've had my heart set on a either the SET 2 or SET 3. But the whole price thing.. I could build a clone but... I'm a huge fan of N.P.
I'll just have to keep my eyes open in the used market..
@@euclidallglorytotheloglady5500 Pass and First Watt gear holds its value pretty well so don't expect an outright bargain.
great review it looks awesome
Anyone know if this would pair we'll to the Canton SL 596? They woofers are titanium so wondering if the power is enough to drive them quickly. The Denon pma800 I am using now seems lacking for some reason and little fatiging. Should I try class A with the jungson or go for tubes like the Willsenton R8?
Does this Amp have speaker protection relays on the outputs?
I know it's been quite a while since the review but may I ask Sean if you have tried the preamp with other amps? How did it fair?
Thoughts on how this will pair with Maggies (LRS)... Wondering if it's stable down to 2ohms? The chifi website isn't very specific other than 8 ohms performance. Maggies don't need a ton of watts but they do not it to be stable down low with tons of damping factor.
My first amplifier was a JungSon (钟神) JA-88C, it's amazing to drive my AE speakers
Thx. for a good review. This look very good and the price is extremely competitive. I don’t see it replacing my McIntosh Ma252, but it could definitely be my sons first real stereo system.
I wish my dad would even slightly consider buying me an $800 stack 😭
@@NickDarnelldaftnick : And the Father of the Year Award goes to... Allan Hansen!
It could keep him away from my Stereo :) So it could prove cheap compared to what repairs cost :D
I had no idea something like this exsisted and wasn't aware of the previous Chinese hayday. I just jumped back into 2 channel after a way-too-long hiatus. I went with gear that I would have recognized 25 years ago, and would make a younger me proud. And while there are a few pieces I know I'd love to own, I really don't feel much urge to upgrade. Anything else I get will just get added to the pile. Have: Burly, "just the facts" solid state integrated, heritage horns, flea watt tube amp, techy DS DAC, Want: magneplanars, R2R DAC and a full on tube amp/integrated 35w/ch+ and that's it, I'm good. I know I must have done ok so far, my buddy who never stopped searching for the sound dumped all of his gear and rerolled it all into one system, after coming by for a listen. But part of me wishes I had heard more stuff won't the way, like this thing!
thanks
LOVE JUNGSON !
The website says NOT AVAILABLE?
Man that is some great looking gear. Love those brushed aluminum front panels, and the meters on that amp. 1298 awesome price, even with having to pay shipping and import costs. My attention just got piqued. Nice rear panel layouts. Plenty of inputs on the preamp. Nice looking under the hoods. That amplifier looks beefy. This stack is giving me that "kid in the candy store feeling"! I also think I would get great wife acceptance factor on both looks, and the price. Sounds like the performance would easily meet my needs. Thank You for introducing us viewers to some more great gear.
Thanks for always maintaining a positive attitude when you do have something to say. :)
The brite blue lights would wear on me. I wonder if you can dim them?
On the China hifi website you have choices of voltage from 110, 115, 120 and so on. Which one would you choose for the US and why not the others?
I've watched a number of your videos and although I am a huge klipsch fan, you have to throw the viewers some other options from the hundreds of speakers out there.
Sean, how come u never mention shiit dacs, amps, etc. Is something wrong with shiit?
Hi,
Just bought one deluxe edition,wow it's great I was expecting it to sound like adcom but man was I surprised so much details crispy sound with big sound stage,I have had many amps like pass labs plinius threshold harman kardon citation and many more this amp is as good even better than some of them,thanks your review made me buy it I didn't get the pre amp have 2 already is the pre amp as good as the amp?
What did ya do to yer hand?
If it had a phono I would definitely consider it. Great review, beautiful affordable gear. Wish more companies had their philosophy
Check out the integrated jungson ja88d-09 deluxe. At less than 1000$, it also includes an excellent MC MM phono preamp. For the rest it has very close/identical construction as the ja99 but within one chassis.
I have it and am really happy. Blue light can be turned off by holding the display button.
@@nicolasvincens7018 Which one is it with the MC MM phono pre? There's a class AB and class A version and the input descriptions on the picture are in Chinese. Can you please link me to the right one? thank you.
@@deepmystic333 the ja88d-09 luxury edition. I bought it there :
www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/jungson-audio-amplifier-cd-player-c-27/jungson-ja-88d-luxury-edition-integrated-amplifier-class-a-80w-with-remote-p-928?zenid=a8e353982083b528c38c37574767cb57
Will these work with 4 or 6 ohm speakers???
Great deal...do you know of any chinese mono blocks with meters?
Marvelous combination with Elac FS407 🥳
I LOVE your finds! Question, the PRE-AMP is the standard version, what makes the 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition better than the Standard Edition? I only need a pre at this point.
I believe the standard edition / 20th anniversary are the same. I'd e-mail the importer to make sure.
I don't get it. It is $1298 at china Hifi audio but $3100 on aliexpress. What is that about?
If i'm not mistaken there was another special version. I looked at these many years ago but went in another direction.
As usual a comprehensive and entertaining review. Although I am no longer in the market for serious hi-fi gear because of space constraints, I watch every review you make. Thank you for all your time and hard work
Cheers!
Good thing you waited till the end of your video to tell everyone the VU meters are inoperative.
Sean, so important that you brought up service and reliability issues. It is China that we are talking about. You nailed it because you brought it all up.
Did you say the VU meters weren't functioning properly on the unit that you received? You're right, I'd lose it if I found any defects with the unit after lugging it up to my listening room and getting everything connected.
Wow looks like they sold a bunch today already, or something. Because it's no longer available. It was still available as of late last night/early this morning, before the review came out. They sell lots of other great deals too though thankfully. Not my sound, but if it were. I would have to try something from them. Maybe one of their $500 integrated amps for instance. Great review Sean, thank you. ✌️
How would this work with Tektons?.... I was looking at getting a power amp to add some more muscle to mine. Lately I have been looking at a Schiit Vidar/Freya stack or possibly getting Purifi Audio Mono's. But this looks awfully tempting for the $1-2k price range.
Just fine. In the opening of the vid, you can see a glimpse of the DI's.
If you had to choose between this power amp, you just showed and the parasound a23 power amp. Which one would you choose? Looks like there's a parasound used for about 600 right now.
Oh, the JungSon. Hands down.
My impression fresh out of the box is, it is very good for the price at under $2000 for both amp and preamp. Its rated 80WPC is very conservative. It plays equally loud as my 125WPC and 150WPC SS amps (which cost $5000 and $4000 in 15+ years ago). It does not get as hot as my other class A amp. Its sound stage is actually bigger than the other two. Very dynamic and clear sound. Bass is deeper. But I feel that the bass is a bit muddier. Its midrange is a bit harsher. Overall, I can tell that this amp/preamp combo can compete with other major brands at 2~5 times higher. Will see how it changes after burn in and with different cables.
Hi any update on your thoughts? Thank you
@6:43 You said you ordered the 110-volt option. Canada and the U.S. are 120V 60hz. Where are you located?
It arrived configured for 110v, which is fine for this device. You can order 120V 60Hz if you want.
I got this amplifier from a brand called Shengya, its a Shengya A-203, supposedly fully class a.
Sounds really powerfull and quite good i must admit(at least for the price). It gets hot like a class A and feels built like a tank.
The design is kind of ressemblient to gryphon.
Would be really cool if you could contact Shengya and see if they would be interested in letting you review some stuff. There is very little reviews and information on them, but they seem really good for their price. Also seen some pretty hefty setups using Shengya amplifiers.
Again, would be really interesting to see what you would think of their amps as i'm quite pleased with mine.
This stack is listed as "Not Available" on the website you mentioned, or am I missing something here?
Yes you are. The Zero Fidelity effect! They were available right after the review went live early this morning while everyone was asleep.
Why does the back of the “pre-amp” say integrated amplifier?
Okay. How about if you use the music that you used in the ending sound demo here to end sound demo all of your amp and speaker reviews (along with a little Norah Jones)? I just finished your CROWN review and am going back to your Parasound ZoneMaster 2350 amplifier review. I wish there was this kind of reference. No reflection on you. Nobody else is doing it either.
how does an iron core transformer compare to a toroidal; transformer ??
Insomnia Blue ?
What a contrast to the glow of a tube amp!
Since these are built to order, it would be nice to have a warm Amber screen option.
Still, it's good to know there are Chi-Fi companies out there able to make decent quality gear for the 99%
Cayin has been building top notch gear for a while. They build for military and Prima Luna. Some Chinese gear is really sweet. Great prices as well.
How would it sound with focal? That blue light is too much but I'm a sucker for blue. This vs parasound halo integrated?
Not sure how it would pair up to the Focal. Parasound integrated has way more features and is more balanced sounding in the main frequency bands. The Jungson sounds stronger, fuller and more forward in the mids, with stronger and more accurate bass.
For some reason I wanted to see the watt meter in action...
nice review Sean. Good looking unit at a v affordable price. Could u pls review the Vincent SV-237MK integrated amp?
Gilbert: Sean did an episode a while back where he asked us to write to the manufacturers themselves and ask them to consider sending their gear to him. So yeah, if you want to see a review of Vincent gear, write to Vincent! *BTW, I think that's an excellent idea. I consider the Vincent gear I have heard/owned to be a good value.
....How about VS the Kinki EX-M1 ?
I have been using China hifi for the last three years, upgraded from one to another. The key is how to pick the gems. The right one always way better compare to the same price range.
I've poked around on AliExpress a few times over the past year because I know there are some deals in there, but I end up finding fakes of known Chinese brands like Line Magnetic and I have no idea what is legit. When I think something is legit, it usually has a price tag higher than US top of the line (which I suspect is a special price for US/EU visitors, plus 25% tacked on for Trump's tariffs). Same with the cables. I'm guessing some are legit, but it also seems like 95% of it is lamp cord junk with fancy tekflex sleeves and nice connectors.
I'm impressed that you've found a way through that mess. By chance, would you be able to recommend something similar to a PrimaLuna Evo 400/300 integrated amp that has comparable quality for less $ ?
Awesome 😀
I had a Technics power amp back in the mid 1980s look identical. Wonder if they can build 3 channel amp. What a steal!
Hi Sean
Many thanks for another great review. I have watched a few of yours to date and you now have me subscribed 👍
Quick query though: can you comment on power consumption? Have read class A amps are terrible for this as they are highly inefficient. Just interesting to see the actual cost of the item taking into account 10 years worth of electricity bills 😅
Also, just since I'm at it, have you ever considered reviewing the Heaven 11 Billie amp? I'm this close to ordering it but wonder if this is not just a hype thing
Hello Clement. Power Consumption is something that I may touch on. Not sure though. As for the Heaven 11 Billie Amp - - I was supposed to review it earlier on but that never happened. I believe Thomas from Thomas and Stereo is up next.
Hi.. I am from Singapore... Need to order it.. It look amazing
Thanks Sean. Do you think the amp would pair well with a tube preamp like a Primaluna?
That's a good question. I don't see why not. The amp isn't *too* difficult to drive.
From same factory. You can pay price for hardware mainly or for Brand name stuff (Easily costing 4x more. May or may not have better support, marketing, taxation, etc.)
Great review, thank you. I have been looking to upgrade my integrated and this combo falls into the price bracket I have given myself. I really like the look and the attributes you talk about, however I just don't think it will fit my listening space. Probably have to stick with an integrated, but until that decision is made, as the saying goes, Never say never. Thanks again.
Might consider a Doge Prima Donna,I had one but sold it off due to being in FL and don't need space heaters
@@stevieg2755 Thanks, I'll take a look. Appreciate the tip. New brand for me.
Double Awesomes!
Hi Sean! Would this stack work well with the Elac F5 speakers? Take care!
Yep. Should be a great match.
@@ZeroFidelity Thanks for the feedback! Have a good one!
Would you say this would work well with a U-Turn Orbit with 2M Blue and Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2?
It would be extraordinary overkill, but yep, it would make for a fantastic match.
If you can spend $1500, I'd put $1000 into a Rega P3 or a MoFi StudioDeck then put $450 into a Lounge LCR Mk. III Silver. I own an Orbit Plus which is good value for the money but I'd improve the source first then work downstream.
Hey..at purchase point JungSon says that there is now an on/off switch for the meters.
I am rolling the dice on a Kinki Studio EX-M7….It’s the wild Wild West of audio in The East. 👍🏼😎
You did not mention it's price point?
Good job
Went to web site not available at 1298.00 standard edition but is available at 1843.97 deluxe addition what's the difference?
Same circuit. Better parts. Shiny stainless steel fascia.
Hi Sean, you finally discovered amazing Jungson, surprised to find the quality issues but as you said, it happens with lots of other gear as well, often due to rough shipping so packaging it up right is important. Anyway, my friend, seems they are out of inventory. I have direct inventory of all Jungson with the main dealer here. I will gladly respectfully offer it with and through you out of my great respect and friendship. Plenty of inventory of your combo Ja-1/Ja99c AND the integrated Ja88D-09 which combines them. NOTE these all come in both pure Class A and Class AB , which runs less expensive. Seems they sent you a class AB which as you noted, still sounds damn good. You have my email from previous. Cheers, Mario
Hey Sean. How does this stack sound with the Triangle Bro3?
That doesn't sound like a good match to me. I would grab a pair of Polk LSIM703's while they're blasting them out right now (originally $1500, and now about $500-$600). They would be a perfect match for this IMHO. And if you need more bass. Add a sub. There's plenty of those on sale right now too, like the SVS SB12-NSD for $399 at Amazon. Good luck. ✌️
Hey Derrick, If you want a very "present" sound with a lot of prominent midrange, its a good match. Otherwise, I think Scotts recommendation is solid.
Interesting review. Third time I see your reviews of audio gear and I do appreciate your honnesty. Very interesting Jungson gear but I am keeping my Kinergetics Research KBA-75 class A Platinum amp with all new electrolitic caps....Hard to beat paired with a modded golden tube sep-1 SE preamp. Used gear but in good shape and much lower price than the Jungson...but I was lucky to get them for a very good price!!!! Now, new Jungson at the asking price is rather very, very good deal considering that the kba-75 new was 25 years ago 2000-2400$us new...Just wish you had put in your video some music coming out of these 2 Jungson......Oups, did miss the last 2 minutes of music in your vid...put some Kate bush aerial album (aerial song) music next time...
Would love to put in other music but, ya know... Demonetization and all that!
Hey champ... Could a set of B&W CM9 be a good match with this set. Main Hard Rock, Metal , Electronic Music and softies tuff :-) Greetings from a meerly blind dude from Denmark
Do you think this would pair well with css 2td speakers?
It's a dream team.
I worked for a Chinese auto accessories and flashlight manufacturer and we had great products but we had more returns than I would have liked. We always sent the customer out a new model to replace the defective one and customers were in general pretty happy but we could make more money if quality was great to begin with. I thought our prices were really competitive too. China has to get its quality control up somewhat, but good stuff is coming out of there.
Yong from China-Hifi-Audio is a very nice guy!
Beyond the power, if it's used with very efficient speakers, soundwise, how does it compare to the Muzishare x7?
Good question. JungSon is obviously the more muscular and powerful sounding product. The top-end on the Jungson is more neutral, and the bass is also more accurate. The midrange on the Jungson is more bumped up and present, whereas the Muzishare is nearly as full bodied, only with a warmer tone. The Muzishare is slightly more versatile in terms of tone, since you can change the character with a flip of the switch. And overall, the Muzishare will offer a warmer sound whereas the JungSon is more powerful, with a bigger sense of scale and a more forward sounding midrange.
Thank you Sean
I have been saving for a SCHIIT Vidar and Saga stack. This is a very interesting option for pretty much the same price point.
Stick with the Schiit when the chi-fi gear bites the dust, and it will, you’ll never be able to get it fixed.
I have been toying with the idea of getting the Schiit Freya + and XTZ A2-300
Victor Giancola , I’ve had my Jungson JA88D’09 for 8 years. It sounds fantastic and haven’t failed once. May I ask what you base your statement on?