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
I also have found Jud to be grumpy but once you call him on it, he's very responsive!

The ARC Ref 75 is a wonderful amp and safe for kids! You should have an ARC dealer arrange a home demo for you.
Welcome fellow traveler!!!!! I have two sets of VZN 160's, a MK lll with two external variacs and a MkV Musicwood and agree with your description of the sonic beauty and the noise experiences !!! I'm still looking for alternatives, hell I love the Mklll sound so much I couldn't sell it when I purchased the more linear MkV Musicwoods !!!!!!!

I have heard the Lamm ML 2.1 and it was wonderful but a pinch "softer/darker" sound than the Joule "magic"!!!!!! When I try solid state I'm reminded of how beautiful the Joule sound is!!! Well I'm off again looking, good luck we've been ruined at our price points !!!!!!!