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New Variac for Joule Electra Amps

I have a pair of Joule Electra VZN-160 amps and have been using them happily for the last six years. They use a single outboard variac for voltage regulation. I how have a problem where something inside (the core) is glowing and a burning smell starts to manifest.

I'm able to send it in to their out-of-warranty repair facility for a likely core replacement (likely $500ish or more) though it will take ten weeks before it ships back.

Has anyone got other ideas on how to fix this issue? Is there any after-market variac that would work, or could I just somehow get a new one?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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Showing 1 response by tortilladc

tortilladc
121 posts
 
The Joule variacs are indeed custom applications. When I looked at aftermarket variacs it became apparent that nothing would work "off the shelf".

Fair warning: The Service Dept (CT) may have quoted you 10 weeks but a VZN-80 I sent in for repair took approximately 6 months. PM me for more info but you should send the unit to someone who wants to actually work on them. they are also unable to get any parts, schematics or other info from Jud anymore.
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