Joule Electra VZN100 Replace with what?


What a journey this audio stuff. We've been through a lot of great amps. I ended up with these amps in a trade. I didn't even want to hook them up! But my audiophile buddies wanted to hear them, and when we hooked them up, Uh oh. I've been stuck with them ever since.

They can heat a room - great for winter time. They are dangerous to my now 3 year old who loves to dance and play air guitar and drums. The designer I found, is NOT a friendly or supportive fellow. They make a bit of noise. But since that day they first, made a loud hum, then played music. Not manufactured music, but music. Another fine amp just got shot down and I really wanted to like the amp that might have been a replacement.

After hearing so many amps come through my room, one can easily discern the sonic signature of the Joules. Open, speed, Dynamics, huge soundstage and a u are there feeling. It's addictive. It's as if, nothing is between you and the performance.

In my system, they don't need to perform below 200Hz as my Super V's have servo controlled woofers built-in. Knowing all components are system dependent, I know that part of this magic is marriage. And we have our fights. Jr starts twirling, I get nervous. Hot days AC does battle. They may never be totally silent although to be honest. I never hear them when music is playing.

Still Haven't tried an Audio Note amp. Lamm too would be nice. Audio Research has a new amp that might do battle with the Joules as well.

FYI regarding system the VZN100's uses an Allnic preamp and a NAD M50 DAC. The front end is computer FLAC files on a CAPs server using power from a SOTA PS fed from PS Audio PPP, fed from Oyaide R1 on a dedicated circuit. The USB SoTM card is on its own PS as well. Power to the people and I learned long ago it can't be good enough. But that's just me. Also a Super Scoutmaster for vinyl.

Folks who've owned or have experience with the Joules, any feedback?

Thanks!
128x128desalvo55

Showing 1 response by spectron

" The designer I found, is NOT a friendly or supportive fellow"

Hello,

Factual information: Joule-Electra does not produce tube cages you asked Jud to sell.

Jud replied in timely manner (usually within 24 hours) that he cannot help you and suggested to you to search in some specific places where cage could be manufactured.

What more he can do I don;t know.

Donaudio: you are supposetly long time friend of Jud and you should know what his fax is disconnected and years ago. Moreover, I believe, every time you send letter to e-mail address shown on Joule-Electra web site - you get response (satisfactory or not its outside of your public complain). I get these e-mails and I reply to all of them and some, when I don;t know the answer - particularly regarding old equipment - I forward to Jud

Plus, for repairs, we subcontracted entire service department - see info on Joule-Electra web site "Contact Us"

All The Best

Simon