Joule Electra OPS-1 or 2 MkIII

Thanks for the responses. This is very informative. Let me share the rest of my set-up and then comment.

Cary V12i amp
Spendor 1/2e speakers
SOTA Nova TT
Kuzma Stogi tomearm
Benz M2 (M09) 0.8mV cartridge

With the Whest I have 220R plugs and 58db of gain in MC operation. With the Hagerman I'm using a step-up (Newcomb) that has binding posts where I can add resistors to set the load. The Hagerman is MM only at 47k. I have another 47k on the step-up and run this in 1:5 mode ending up with a 940k load.

One thing I have to mention is that I have serious RF here as I live near a radio tower. It was recommended by Jud that I use a step-up and that I could go through the dealer and order one that he would make for the OPS. I still need to talk to him about the configuration but if he recommends it then it must be fine.

Lgraef - Sounds like the Benz cartridges like the 1k setting. I do like the flexibility of the Hagerman set-up as it is easy to change resistors and settings. How easy is it to do this on the OPS? Plug and play or soldering?

Monk - My LA-100 has Sylvania 5751, not sure of the 6350, but Jud supplied it, and then I think the 0A2 and 6EM7 are Raytheon. I use Halos on all my tubes, usually set in top third of the tube. In the LA-100 I have them on the 5751 and 6350, but haven't ordered any for the others yet. I'm not sure I should based on your comments.

I thought the OPS came with the separate power supply as a standard and not an option. Also, the website says its a MkIII version so I guess a new version is out. I would also be interested in knowing what amps both of you are using. I am thinking of trying to find a used VZN-80 inthe future.

Thanks again for the responses.

Nelsjay,

I too was looking to upgrade to the LA-150 from the LA-100 MkIII. Jud informed me that they do not do this upgrade anymore due to reliability issues. Based on your post I imagine your unit is fine. How would you compare the LA-100 MkIII to the LA-150. I was somewhat skeptical about those Russian tubes, but if the price was right I would have probably done the upgrade.

Nelsjay,

Thanks for the response. It was as I expected it to be. I have also heard that the LA-150 is a bit closer to solid state in its sound. I am very happy with the LA-100 MkIII and would not consider buying a new LA-150, but if I saw a used one at a good price I might not consider it. More likely, I may want the OPS2 which I believe has a volume control.