Joule-Electra Destiny mono blocks, Opinions?

Hello Dev,

I already discussed my sonic expression of Destiny (or Rite of Passage with 300wpc drivibg MBL101E) - for the record - "outstanding!!!"

Reliability - I was interested in this too because if I ever choose to add J-E amplifier to ther new flagship preamp (LA-300ME) I ordered - it becames big issue. Overweling response was that Joule-Electra is one of the most reliable amplifiers manufacturer there is

Customer Service - You know that Simon Thacher formerly from Spectron started to work with Jud Barber and he took care of customer service - he is one of the best there is, ask anyone who bought Spectron - most of the customers dealt with Simon one way or another (set up etc)

All The Best
Rafael

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

Spectrton amps are good "muscle" amp I can't afford Destiny - may be I will look for used Rite of Pssage (220 wpc) - Jud Barber amplifiers last 10-20 years. I heard many amps even don't have re-tubing for 10+ years....

More interesting, as far as I know -last weekend there was a last audition of "Marianne Electra Memorial Edition Preamp, LA-300ME" and they used MBL 101E and Destiny. There was a number of professionals including Jud and David Elrod (Jud uses now his hook-up wire taken from Elrod $7.5k interconnect).

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....

So, yes I may write review of the preamp but first, first...first I wanna have it. I am glad that it was last test and now it goes to production. Can't wait.

All The Best
Rafael

"People who buy our amps are looking for the best sound possible and generally believe that the sound they have is worth the extra money. "

Here, I would allow somewhat disagree with Mr. Barber. My monoblocks Spectron with all upgrades retails for $21,000 and VZN- 100 and VZN-160 retail for slightly less and more that Spectron price respectevely.

"How long do you need to turn them on before listening" -

from my research on Joule-Electra you can start listening 10-15 minute after turning amps on. I do almost the same with my current (already sold) tube preamplifier - I turn it on and then I take, say, CD and I demagnetize it (both sides) and then I use negative ion generator (both sides), then I place it in my digital front end - all by itself takes about 6-7 minutes. I start right there and my first disc is not my most favorite. Still, I get in "contact" with music - just it takes me a few minutes longer. None of us love all our disc the same.... So, I don't think this is a problem et all.

"A good OTL is like expensive wine. Its easy to get used to and hard to give up."

Oh, Mr. Barber - I agree with you wholehearly.

Happy Holidays!
Rafael

Dev: Thank you for the correction. So many J-E amps even cheaper then class D Spectron!!! Make me feel better ;---)

Also, you are asking Jud but you forget, its Holiday time and I bet he left for vocation to his children.

You will be better off to send hom e-mail directly after Holidays

All The Best
Rafael

""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...."

Hello Dev,
It is description of last audition or test of Joule-Electra new preamp - Marieanne Electra LA-300ME.

I believe this is the best in the world preamp and I have ordered one - still did noy get it

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Rafael

Hello Ji2468,

I disagree with you a lot.

For example, among many excellent preamps you listed, you have LS2 - which I auditioned over weekend (years ago) and found to be at least thin i.e. 2D images within 3D space etc and also you have CAT - one of the best preamps in the world and I owned CAT for many years - so we both expressed our personal opinion obtained with our associated equipment - and nothing more

Next, reliability: do you have any statictics to back up you claim? Something hapenned with your gear? And if so then what does it mean?

OTL amplifiers, obviously are very costly to ship and to repair. They must be absotely relaiable or company would go down. Both Athmasphere and Joule-Electra are here, enjoying full respect from owners of their products and audiophile alike.

"Mundorfs don't cost that much money." Really? Are you sure?
Mundorf has a variety of capacitors ranging form a very cheap (always euthonic!) to truly excellent and very expensive like "Gold/Silver/Oi"l ones which Jud Barber uses in his new flagship preamplifier, LA-300ME. Don't forget that when Jud started this project Euro/USD ratio was very, very high and yet he was willing to invest.

Regards
Rafael