TRL Dude or Joule 150 MKII for Major Pre Upgrade

There is a review of the Dude here with a photo showing dual volume controls, the one on TRL's site has one, are there two models?

Many owners of the Joule preamps will tell you it is one of the finest they have heard, adding just the kind of qualities you say you are looking for. Have never heard the TRL so I cannot comment, but the Joule has been in the mix for finest preamps for a long time, with Jud's best work said to be found in his latest iteration, especially the ME series.

The Joule is not only a champ in bass, but the very thing that made HP go gaga over the Joule in TAS. This quality was improved in the 150MKII and later product including the 150SE and the 300 and 450s, but the latter may be beyond your price point. Not sure which of the two brands you will prefer, apparently there will be advocates for both, but I personally would steer to the issue of track record, logevity, build quality, and reliability - the intangibles that go beyond sound. The TRL might be first rate at these, though it has not been around for nearly as long (if that matters to you). Sounds like they would both make you happy.

Frankly, I don't think you will know either way without listening (hard, I know) - that would be far more important than what partisans of either brand might say - but ain't it always the truth.

A brand you don't mention, but you should consider is the CAT SL1 Ultimate - I would be hard pressed to choose between it and the Joule (both of which I have owned) as the are both superb but different and who know how you will respond to what you hear?

$4,000 direct? I like the dual controls!

It is true the Roger is not the fastest responder, but his equipment make the
wait worthwhile - I think he has hired an assistant to handle e-mail and phone
inquiries, but it does seem to take 24 hours to hear back.

Grannyring, do you have photos of the Dudes innards you could share?

Love 6sn7 line stages for some reason!

Ever notice how a 5 minute call with Roger turns into 1 hour? Always interesting.

Yup, Sal is the fella I've buying MR stuff from the past year or so - the one who
reruns the calls, advises, and takes your order - good guy.

Saw some pictures of the innards of the Dude thanks to Grannyring, looks like a
very robust unit with a very nice attenuator. Has it been exhibited at RMAF?