Joule Electra or Wolcott Tube Amps, or...?


Hi Folks:
I'm tempted to get either a pair of the Wolcott 220M monos or a pair of the Joule Electra VSN160 (both available used on A'gon). Does anyone have experience with both of these amps per chance, and have a preference?

For now, I'd be driving a pair of MBL 121 monitor speakers, which are quite inefficient at 83db. Hence, some folks may side with the Wolcott which are supposedly great at driving difficult loads. However, I got a lend of a VSN-80 from my friend for a week or two, and it proved to be great in my system. I was 'very' happy with it, across all types of music. So, somehow it worked, and if anything the VSN-160 monos would be even better. So, I'm most interested in other comparison factors beyond 'ability to drive difficult loads'. I think both will make the cut.

Anyways, let me know if you have thoughts or suggestions. I'm currently using Spectron, but am tempted to get back into tubes. I'm a tubeoholic.

Thanks,
John.
128x128outlier

Showing 2 responses by samhar

From the Wolcott ad:

"Product Weakness: In the overall sound equation I don't really consider these as weakness's but more my nit-picks to strive for perfection:
The leading edge is not as realistic as the inner resolution and decay,needs a tad better definition.Could do a better job with spatial seperation during complex passages on rock & roll and full orchestration.On a few recordings there seems to be a very slight emphisis on the top end.A noticeable loss at very low volume,but more an overall system issue than just the amps."

The Joules attack, inner detail and spatiality are excellent as you already know, I think the "big" question is, do you have a circuit that can handle 1000 watts constant draw from the one variac?. If you do, Donaudio's Joules are a steal. Of coarse I'm extremely prejudice.
BTW my Joules use two variacs 500 watts each so there is the possibility of getting another variac and using two different circuits. This might be a bit of a hassle but the reward for the effort is huge.