Joule-Electra Destiny mono blocks, Opinions?

I have the Joule Grand Marquis 160 which is basically the same as the Destiny except for lower power. It is about 8 years old and has been basically bulletproof for a tube amp. Fit and finish is excellent and Jud Barber gives great customer service. I feel it is one of the best power amps out there if you have the right speaker for it.

Hi Donaudio,

8 years, that's good to hear. How much heat do these throw off compared to other manufactures?

I have heard that the tubes last for a very long time in these amps, 5-10 year span is this correct? Have you had to change any tubes as of yet?

How many hours prior to changing?

The Destiny amps VZN-350 are 350W Monoblocks so there lots of reserve I would think for most speakers and should not have any issues.

I am currently using MBL 101E's, 4 ohm load.

I noticed you had your amps up for sale and mentioned you were getting new ones with the Musicwood upgrade, have you actually heard the difference between having and not having the Musicwood?

Dev- I would check w Jud Barber @ Joule, to see if those amps will pair well w a low impedence load. As I am sure you know, they are OTL and speaker pairing is v impt. I have a VZN-80 (80 watt stereoblock) and I will tell you that 8 of the output tubes throw off a good deal of heat. You would be looking at a very significant heat load, IMO. Great amp, very transparent as you would expect w OTL.