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Preamp shootout: Joule, CJ, BAT

Just finishing up listening after weekend shootout. Thanks to dealers and my friend. The BAT 50 SE, the CJ 14 and the Joule Electra 100 MkIII (think up a shorter name!) The winner, Joule by a slender margin over the CJ. The Joule had it in bass and layering of instruments and air. The CJ was lush, not as lush as my earlier model, but now a little glare (the difference in signal tubes now used I think, versus the NOS in the Joule.) The CJ has definitely changed its sound and is not as "round" as before. The Joule is just tighter and places instruments in real space better, giving it a seamless sound. The BAT was probably not a factor after the first day. No one (5 total listeners) liked it much, got no votes. Kinda flat and noisy too. The quietness of the Joule might have influenced our verdict on the noiseness of the BAT. Maybe we should have changed the tubes, but no time. All preamps (LS) broken in. Amps included Art Audio monos, ARC 100s trioded to 50 watts, CJ 75 watt monos, CJ 75 watt stereo, Mesa Baron EL. Soliloquy, Merlin and Martin Logan speakers. Totems sig ones briefly. (This is work!) I'm buying the Joule for it's width, depth, quietness, separation of instruments, bass, and best balance between warmth and clarity. For those shopping out there, get the used Joules. They are a bargain at Audiogon prices. Best speakers were Merlin first, Martin Logan second, Totem third and Soliloquy tied with the Totems (pretty good little speakers! But highly modded by my friend, including new wiring, etc.) Wish I had more time...but that's the short version. BTW, all the preamps/LS are about the same price retail. and quick, best amps were Mesa triode zero feedback EL34 tied with Art Audio on efficient speakers. I'll post more later if I can if people want to discuss. The Martin Logans with REL are mine but I think after this exhausting shootout (best cables were Analysis plus and Synchestra Signature) I might go for the Merlins which really shocked me with their electrostatic like disappearing act and bass. (How do they get that bass!) Post again if it flames up.
macinman6d4e
welder2235
1 posts
 
Thanx for the great post! I wasn't knocked out by the new CJs either. We carry them in my closest retailer and I think they sound a little like the early 90s ARCs--like the SP9. A bit dry in the upper mid-low treble (like sucked out too). Is this because it is a 6922 like ARCs? When they went away from the 12AX7 type and 5751s I think they lost some of the magic, but don't the amps still use the 5751--the best tube, IMO
gasman
42 posts
 
I also own the Joule preamp, and I'll verify everything that Macinman wrote about it. I have never owned an active preamp that is so quiet; I can advance the gain to full, and at the speakers there is NO noise, hiss, or any sign that the system is on. (M-L CLS IIz speakers) The bass reproduction is the best that I have ever heard from a tube preamp; I'm using a Muse Model 18 subwoofer in my system, and the bottom octave (20-40Hz)is ALL there. Of course, this is in addition to its ability to reproduce very natural music, which is the main point. It is the preamp on which you can build a very satisfying system, and it will compel you to buy a LOT more recordings.
powerxs958d
1 posts
 
I'm using the same speakers and looking for a preamp. Great endorsement. This has been a valuable post since I've had a hard time finding anyone who can recommend a "best" for me since I live so far from dealers. Quiet is the key word (my CJ is quite noisy turned up--and you know as I do what the MLs will do for noisy sources! Reveal them ruthlessly.) What amps are you using and source? Thanks. I've just finished Paul Seydor in Absolute Sound and think I'm going to dump my Resolution cdp--a little hard and some grain. Seydor says to buy the Meridian too and mentions it is totally without grain, which is what bugs me with Martin Logans/Genesis subs.
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