Upgrading PREAMP - The wait is killing me

2

Comments

  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited March 2012
    There will be bliss!
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited March 2012
    Gear has about 2 hours running and things are starting to heat up.

    Key observations are sound stage depth, quiet, more top end and bass quality.

    Doc Powell Doc Powell 24/96 Linn recording is great. It is one of my favorites for seperation and air. This recording needs no help and the JE just lets it out. The sound stage depth has increased maybe 4 feet and has more layers if that makes sence.

    Poco Blue and Grey song Blue and Grey is a favorite LP that really shows off the sound stage width in my system. The JE has good width and I think it will improve with more hours.

    Chris Rea - On the Beach song is a favorite for bass quality, decay, texture and speed. The JE is really delivering here. The bass is what is highlighted in all the reviews. Again, with more hours it should be a real treat.

    Thats about it for now, back to soaking up some music.

    My Harmony 1 will control the volume on the JE so I have the W4S DAC 2 set to fixed and not using it as a pre.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited March 2012
    Use them in the Wright stuff too scompracer. I have some Tung Sols I like.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited March 2012
    Layers,Soundstage,Depth.I was thinking all of these things last night.
    The Joule is an amazing piece indeed.
    Still no tube rolling.Just diggin the stock 6350's
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited March 2012
    Yeah, not sure you will do much better than what tubes Jud is using. How about some pics brgman?

    I am very happy with what I am hearing.

    I have to admit I am liking the volume control and vinyl.

    Now, I will get absolutely no excercise except flipping vinyl.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,124
    edited March 2012
    Congrats and enjoy Tracy I bet you will be up till the wee hours with all that excitement!!!
    Home Theater
    Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable

    2 Channel
    Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+

    Stuff for the Head
    JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365

    Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin B)
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited March 2012
    Killer preamp! This was on my short list awhile back. Glad someone in the forum owns one.

    Interested in hearing more about it after it is breaks in more.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,561
    edited March 2012
    Ern Dog wrote: »
    Glad someone in the forum owns one.

    There's 3 people here that own a Joule pre amp.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • JuanR
    JuanR Posts: 718
    edited March 2012
    What a fantastic looking piece! Congrats!
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  • PolkClyde
    PolkClyde Posts: 662
    edited March 2012
    Lasareath wrote: »
    It Looks Great!

    But how does it Sound?!
    AT that price it better sound Great even before i buy another power cord. hey, when I get the money I'll drop that kind of cash on some gear like that.Therefore,I'm hooked also.
    PolkAudioClyde
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited April 2012
    With about 25 hours on the Joule I am hearing pretty much everything I described earlier. Long ways to go to get 500 -1000 hours but I can say I am enjoying the journey.

    Had a friend over yesterday unfortnately my wife was sick and sleeping and had to keep the volume almost background level but he said he could definately hear the difference.

    In a way it was actually good because what I did notice what how much more and better the detail was at this volume.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited April 2012
    Had a chance to do some listening lastnight after the storms cleared out.

    Sound stage width now extends about 1.5' past the walls.

    Everything is so smooth and clear. I am hearing lower bass registers I have never heard on my 1Cs.

    At 35 hours if it gets no better than this I could not be happier.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • muncybob
    muncybob Posts: 3,042
    edited April 2012
    If it sounds as good as it looks you'll be a happy camper 4 sure!
    Yep, my name really is Bob.
    Parasound HCA1500A(indoor sound) and HCA1000(outdoor sound), Dynaco PAS4, Denon DP1200 w/Shure V15 Type V and Jico SAS stylus, Marantz UD7007, Polk L600, Rythmik L12 sub.
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  • doctor r
    doctor r Posts: 837
    edited April 2012
    Glad to hear you are having fun with it. The low level presentation can be surprising as our equipment usually has blacker backgrounds as we fall further in the rabbit hole. There is always the expectation of better sound at concert levels, but I find great enjoyment in all the detail present at lower SPLs since much of my listening can end up at a time that "volume" is not an option. Enjoy!

    Rick
    integrated w/DAC module Gryphon Diablo 300
    server Wolf Alpha 3SX
    phono pre Dynamic Sounds Associates Phono II
    turntable/tonearms Origin Live Sovereign Mk3 dual arm, Origin Live Enterprise Mk4, Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c
    cartridges Miyajima Madake, Ortofon Windfeld Ti, Ortofon
    speakers Rockport Mira II
    cables Synergistic Research Cables, Gryphon VPI XLR, Sablon 2020 USB
    rack Adona Eris 6dw
    ultrasonic cleaner Degritter
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  • doctor r
    doctor r Posts: 837
    edited April 2012
    How about an update Tracy? Have you left the sweet spot (besides changing vinyl)?
    integrated w/DAC module Gryphon Diablo 300
    server Wolf Alpha 3SX
    phono pre Dynamic Sounds Associates Phono II
    turntable/tonearms Origin Live Sovereign Mk3 dual arm, Origin Live Enterprise Mk4, Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c
    cartridges Miyajima Madake, Ortofon Windfeld Ti, Ortofon
    speakers Rockport Mira II
    cables Synergistic Research Cables, Gryphon VPI XLR, Sablon 2020 USB
    rack Adona Eris 6dw
    ultrasonic cleaner Degritter
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited April 2012
    At about 250 hours. Not alot has changed just pure sweet audio. If anything the soundstage has widen a bit. The highs may a bit more laid back but not alot. Mid range and bass pretty much unchanged.

    Very happy with this preamp. One thing that is different than any other preamp I have owned is when I shut the pre down before the amp there is no pop or anything. JUst a click inside the pre and thats it.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,157
    Another update please. Thanks
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,965
    WagnerRC wrote: »
    Another update please. Thanks

    Got the bug eh Bob ? lol

    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    eewwww - necroposting. ;)

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    I love mine! I have the phono board in my LAP-150 so it is a 2 piece. I have no desire to change it.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,157
    edited November 2016
    tonyb wrote: »
    WagnerRC wrote: »
    Another update please. Thanks

    Got the bug eh Bob ? lol

    These don't come up very often, but its more than I care to spend.

    https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-joule-electra-la-300me-2016-11-12-preamplifiers-98072-woodinville-wa

    And I was told is was not work looking into the Slp-05

    I am happy as a clam right now but always looking around......

    Cheers

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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    I doubt I will ever part with mine,, does just about everything right.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,965
    WagnerRC wrote: »
    tonyb wrote: »
    WagnerRC wrote: »
    Another update please. Thanks

    Got the bug eh Bob ? lol

    These don't come up very often, but its more than I care to spend.

    https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-joule-electra-la-300me-2016-11-12-preamplifiers-98072-woodinville-wa

    And I was told is was not work looking into the Slp-05

    I am happy as a clam right now but always looking around......

    Cheers

    That 300me is actually cheaper than the Cary 05. So why would you anyway. The 150 though, I think will be in your possession before Spring. :)
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • Jetmaker737
    Jetmaker737 Posts: 1,047
    WagnerRC wrote: »
    tonyb wrote: »
    WagnerRC wrote: »
    Another update please. Thanks

    Got the bug eh Bob ? lol

    These don't come up very often, but its more than I care to spend.

    https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-joule-electra-la-300me-2016-11-12-preamplifiers-98072-woodinville-wa

    And I was told is was not work looking into the Slp-05

    I am happy as a clam right now but always looking around......

    Cheers

    I've been eyeballing that JE pre. It's right up the freeway from me. I'd be a bit worried about servicing with JE out of business. Stellar deal though.

    Why not the Cary SLP 05? Love the look of it.
    SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette
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  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,157
    You and I are both very close to that la300-me. I also love the slp-05 looks . I was told the Cary would be a little more detailed and brighter than the la-100 mk3 that I am currently liking. I will shoot you a pm
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,965
    Bob,

    Tubes play an important role in any tubed piece. Joule has tubes most will like and possibly never change. The Cary, when I heard it, I had no idea what tubes were in it. It can be very possible to roll tubes and eliminate some brightness.

    Tubes give you the option of tailoring the sound, but it can get expensive rolling. Some have that open air sound on top, but lack some lower bass. So you roll tubes again to find the new ones give you the bass slam you want but the soundstage has narrowed....and it continues that way until you find your huckleberry.

    The SLP 05 and Joule 150 are both top notch pre's, but I think for a little more meat to the sound, with less fuss over tubes, the Joule would be my preference.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,965
    I should also note, to cut down on the tube rolling, talk to people who you think have the same preferences you do and see what tubes they are using in the same pre's your interested in. Both of those pre's claim some members here so that shouldn't be too difficult.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    The 300 is no longer for sale. Did you pick it up?
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,157
    Yes sir I did. I am one happy camper.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,965
    Snooze ya lose Brian, ol' Bob is quick for an old timer. :)
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter