Joule Preamps?

I know there are several users out there familair with the Joule equipment, so I'll try to get this question back up the list. I'm especially interested hearing from those that may have heard the new LA-150 MKII to know how it compares with the MKI and whether it captures some of the warmth and musicality that the LA-100 series was famous for. I'm using a CAT JL2 AMP and a Placette Active linestage (it replaced a CAT Sl1 Ulitmate). The Placette is suberb, but I am curious to see how a Joule might sound in my system - proably because I own Merlins, and as you know Joule equipment is frequently used with these speakers. Thanks in advance.

Clio09, do you find your TVC to be warmer than the LA-150MKI? I'm currently using a Placette Active which replaced a CAT SL1 Ulitmate. I am very happy with the Placette, but am wondering if there is something out ther I might like better. I've been thinking about the Joule, because it is often used with the Merlin, but I do have a CAT JL2 Amplifier so I don't know how the two might work together - it works quite well with the Placette. A neutral and revealing preamplifier I already have, and I'm would love to know if the Joule would provide some "tube magic" without loosing the frequency balance and transparency of the Placette. I am afraid that ultimately I can only answer the question by trying it, but hearing from others does provide some guidance. Thanks.

Clio09, I have found what you say to be very true in this hobby, and I do suspect the best solution may be in my possession. My "quest" for a "warmer" tube pre is due to the very neutral nature of the CAT JL2, and for that matter than Merlin VSM. When I had the CAT Ultimate (a wonderful pre)I felt as if the two CATs were a bit to much of a good thing - very neutral - and hoped for some touch of warmth. Interestingly, I thought think the Placette is a bit warmer, while being exceptionally transparent. I have heard that the LA-150 MKII is a more fleshed out (warmer) version of MKI, while remaining neutral. Problem is, without a 30-day trial, in your own system and room, it is always a bit of a risk. Dgarretson, the Atmasphere is also on my short list. I have owned the CAT ULtimate and the Lamm LL2 - and of course these are both wonderful units. I suspect I'll experiment a bit more, but in the end, Clio9 may be right. The Placette Active is one great piece.

Clio9, Interesting. I expect you have not heard the Placette Active, which is essentially passive with a robust buffering section (10 ohm output impedance!). I do wonder what you would think about that comapred with your TVC (I have been thinking about the Bent NOH as well). I might end up have the Joule and a Placette - seems terribly self indulgent, but getting rid of the Placette would be awfully hard. Thanks for your comments. Paul.

I will be buying the Joule LA-150 MKII to use with my CAT JL2s. Thank you for your feedback.

Well, I love the Joule. I have sold the Placette; which in no way means the Joule is better than the Placette - it was and is a great preamp, but with my amp and speakers, and my ears, I like the more fleshed out sound provided by the tubes in the pre. Have no idea which is more accurate, doesn't really matter, it works for me and my taste. And, while the Joule was a nice change for me, what really made a great difference was changing the stock tubes in the CAT amp to NOS Amperex and RCAs - had no idea...