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What is the "sound" dif. between a Joule -Elctra OTL and a SET amp??

Guys- I currently have the Wyetech Topaz 211 with KR 211 tubes and audio note transformers which I love - BUT have always been intrigued by the Joule Elctra OTL's at past shows- I have been offered by a dealer a pair of VZN-100's not sure if they are MK IV or V or what the difference between the 2 versions are but was wondering from a sound presentation between my 211 SET amps and the OTL- I am using the Classic Audio T1.4 horn speakers- Thanks so much for the opinions as always!!
fluffers

Showing 7 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Thaluza,
You had the unique experience to compare two exceptional yet different amplifiers for 7 months.  Which amplifier provided more emotional involvement and communication with your musical soul? Does one offer more realism? 
Thanks,
Charles,  
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Ralph, 
Fluffers isn't interested in Frankenstein,  he's has the Wyetech 211 amplifiers and is considering the Joule OTL. Thaluza owns the Frankenstein and previously owned the Jolues.
Charles, 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Fluffers,
Is it possible to compare your Wyetech with the Joule at home? Nothing beats a direct comparison in your system. 
Charles, Sent 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Larryi,
The warmer and fuller sound of the Joule OTL you describe relative to other OTLs makes sense to me. I've only heard the Berning and the Atma-Sphere OTLs  and they were a lean and clean type presentation. So the Joule OTL goes in a different direction. 
Charles, 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Thaluza, 
I appreciate your detailed and very insightful comments. If interesting that you mention piano, we have one in our home as well. Surprisingly the 8 watt Frankenstein reproduced the most realistic piano sound I've ever heard in my system. Actually every instrument is reproduced more realistically than with previous owned amplifiers.  Based on your description I believe that I'd really enjoy the Joule OTL as much as you did. Two different amplifiers but both with many desirable attributes. 
Charles, 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Larryi,
I'd be happy if Fluffers can compare his Wyetech 211 SET  with the Joule  OTL. It would be very interesting to read his listening impressions. I have no doubt that these two amplifiers provide rather different sonic presentations. Wyetech has an excellent reputation for sound quality. 
Charles, 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Ralph, 
I didn't use the term lean with negative connotations but simply as a relative comparison based on my listening experience  of it compared to my current amplifier.   I haven't heard the Joule OTL. A friend of mine is familiar with the Joule  and the Atma-Sphere OTLs. His impression of their tonality is  the same as Larryi. Not a case of  better /worse but different presentations were observed. No question that speaker or system compatibility would favor one over the other. 
Charles, 
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