Joule-Electra Destiny mono blocks, Opinions?

Hi Donaudio,

8 years, that's good to hear. How much heat do these throw off compared to other manufactures?

I have heard that the tubes last for a very long time in these amps, 5-10 year span is this correct? Have you had to change any tubes as of yet?

How many hours prior to changing?

The Destiny amps VZN-350 are 350W Monoblocks so there lots of reserve I would think for most speakers and should not have any issues.

I am currently using MBL 101E's, 4 ohm load.

I noticed you had your amps up for sale and mentioned you were getting new ones with the Musicwood upgrade, have you actually heard the difference between having and not having the Musicwood?

Hi Dob,

good to see you posting here, your post on the other thread referring to your most recent listening experience when you said;

...and then I spent a week in Canada and friend of the friend owns Joule-Electra Rite of Passage and big MBL speakers. I spent a large number of hours , almost every day, in his listening room. I will not tell you how accurate was this or inacuracte was that (I am professional cellist) - frankly I did not give a ... I knew I can't stand, I can't leave, I can't stop listening to the music. It was increadibly REALISTIC representation of REAL music. I am like a dog - I can tell you what I hear, I can't explain why (I did not hear euphonic even order or other kind of distortions, sorry)

Joule-Electra's web site is a bit neglected so you have to do your own research..... and you will discover that his "equipment" was reviewed time and time again by Harry Pearson of TAS, David Robonson of Positive Feedback and such, that he has many prestigeous awards etc etc.

So at first I thought that I am insane but now I know that I am only poor. I can't afford big MBL with Rite of Psssage.

I suspect that you want to say that I was hearing effect of MBL. Its true but I heard to these great speakers with so many solid state amps (including MBL) that I know that I heard - I heard "magic" pure and simple "magic".

So, Dave - let us enjoy good amps we own but please let me dream about listening to REAL music or....its SOUL

All The Best
Rafael

really intrigued me as you already are aware and you know the rest.

I'm really looking forward to hearing this set-up, I also found out that the latest Destiny amps are 350 watts, even more power.

Simon is most defiantly an added plus to the company and Jud is fortunate to have him.

So are you going to do a review on the pre-amp, really enjoyed your other one regarding the Spectron amps.

Hi Dob,

thanks for the info.

In your conversations what differences sonically have you be told is noticeable when referring to the Musicwood upgrade.

Elrod product is suppose to be great, I have not yet had any in my system I'm using Stealth's top end product and "very very happy" but look foward to comparing. A few others I know use the Elrod product and are very happy and the new line out there is allot of talk so we will see in do time.

Rafael I have had some interesting set-ups in the past along with listening to many so don't take this the wrong way thinking I'm being biased just because I own MBL's. I have to say what MBL 101E's offer when set-up properly are just so awe inspiring realistic and even with my current 60 watt mono amps which are just hold me overs from the CAT JL3's. I can be any where in my house and listening to them in the back ground just leaves me saying WOW! the sound actually draws me into the main area where they are set-up having me thinking the actual performers are there performing live, now that's something special. No other speaker I have ever owned to date has been able to do that for me.

Swampwalker, yes the emotional/artistic content is most important to me. If it does not offer this then it really does not matter to me how good this and that is.

I am really looking forward to hearing the Destiny amps paired up with the MBL's, the actual space of this system that I will be hearing is very similar to my own environment which is an open concept design which includes ceilings varying in height from 10ft to 18ft to 30ft.

Hi Jud,

I am looking forward to hearing a pair of your Destiny amps (they are aprox. two years old) with MBL 101E's in the new year.

"Dob" a Gon. member above mentioned in his thread you recently had a listening session which included your Marianne Electra Memorial Edition Preamp and Destiny mono blocks paired up with MBL 101E.

So what was you over all impression.

Regarding the Destiny mono's can you kindly clarify, where there different watts available over the past two years and are your latest design 300 or 350 watts.

Regarding the upgrade "Musicwood" what sonic differences (benefits) from standard will one notice.

Regarding the Destiny amps are they dead quiet, any noticeable buzzing, hum etc.

Thanks

Hi Dob, this is the info. I got for list prices of the following Joule amps so I would say the list of the Spectron's at $21K are right there.

VZN-100 100W Monoblocks: $15,000 pr

VZN-160 160W Monoblocks: $18,000 pr

VZN-220 (Right of Passage) 220W Monoblocks: $24,000 pr

Jud looking forward to your response to my questions I had posted above on 12-21-08 as it would be most helpful.

Hi Jj2468,

thanks for the post but can you elaborate a little more.

What three components did you owe and what were they paired up with and why you moved on.

Hi Dob,

Thanks I was hoping to get Jud's response as he had just posted, oh well. I forgot to post the VZN-350 (Destiny) 350W Monoblocks: $30,000 pr. From what I have learned the power has increased over the years and wanted to get some info. regarding this and I believe the info. you gave prior in one of your post saying;

"I been told that bass was substabtially and dramatically improved (deeper, faster, cleaner etc) mostly due to (from their web site):

....The "super chargers" in power supplies are huge Mundorf M-TubeCap capacitors which combine a high degree of dielectric strength and low residual inductivity. These capacitors can supply, very quickly, extreme peak currents and can be heard and felt...."

Dob the power increase would have a direct effect also.

I'm off also,

MERRY CHRISTMAS! and Happy Holiday! to all.

Hi there, some interesting replies to this thread but still mainly unanswered questions, hopefully Jud Barber will chime in and clarify some of the questions put forth.