" I compared both at my dealers store and the JE was very veiled/rolled off and completely lacking in lower register harmonics and resolution. ie. mushy bass syndrome. I knew this to be a problem in my system and the culprit was the preamp"
I am sure monbrison is excellent preamp. However, reading that JE was "completely lacking in lower registry" is totally contadict to Harry Pearson review where he raved (RAVED) about JE bass.
Another one (Frontier1) wrote: "By way of Interest I tried the SE version of the 150 and prefered the MKii. "
It is not a secret that Mk2 is much more lush then SE which is much closer to the true acoustic sound. Again Harry Pearson (while giving HP 2010 Editor Choice Award to very similarely sound LA-300ME) noted that this is most romantic preamp without any euphonic coloration.
It is not a crime to love more euphonic (lush, warm) coloration of Mk2 but the reader of these threads must realize that different people have different tastes and....different experience in attending the LIVE concerts.
Everybody can and should, I guess, write their observations but "buyer beware" !!!!!
OK, here is mine: I owned BAT REX before I bought JE-300ME and love it (LOVE IT!!!!) - but I would never ever say that REX is bad or "badder" preamp. Just different sonic signature. |
For what it is worth, I traded in a JE lap150 toward a shindo monbrison.
I compared both at my dealers store and the JE was very veiled/rolled off and completely lacking in lower register harmonics and resolution. ie. mushy bass syndrome. I knew this to be a problem in my system and the culprit was the preamp.
When "frontier1" mentions relaxed and easy to listen too, this is probably what he alluded to. |
I have 1 Joule LA150 MKii and a Shindo Vosne Romanee. The Shindo is 3 times the price of the Joule but I like both for different reasons. The Vosne Romanee is smooth, rich and quite detailed. The Joule has a wonderful relaxed sound that simply draws you in to the music. One could not go wrong with either pre and frankly I will soon part with one of them. By way of Interest I tried the SE version of the 150 and prefered the MKii. Ken Shindo and Judd Barber are both excellent designers no matter what component you purchase. I've been through countless preamps and these are truly top flight and both manufacturers have proven track records. Trust your ears. |
I want to complicate further a comparison between Shindo and Joule preamps. Which might sound better when coupled to a high quality solid state amplifier? |
" The concern you raise about repair/parts is valid, but owners of Shindo equipment have posted in few threads that it is not a concern as Shindo has been around for years and provided repair/replacement service"
The fact that Shindo has been around and provided (excellent) service is NOT my concern at all.
My concern was (now I don;t care) if Shindo will be gone then WHO in states can repair their equipment with their UNIQUE parts? There are plenty of such people for Joule-Electra needs on other hand. if I am wrong then my apologies. |
Thanks Dob for the feedback. Having experienced LA-150 MKII SE, I have no doubts about the musicality of 300ME.
The concern you raise about repair/parts is valid, but owners of Shindo equipment have posted in few threads that it is not a concern as Shindo has been around for years and provided repair/replacement service.
Thanks again for your time. |
I tried Shindo before I bought LA-300ME (I don;t remember the model but it was about the same price) and I liked its sound. I liked much, much, more LA-300 but it may be personal
The main reason why I did not go to investigate further lies in the philosophies of both companies.
Shindo build their unit based on old unique parts which produce excellent synsrgy between them. Now, if company is closed and I need new part for repair - where will I get it. If I want upgarde it 10 years later whi will do it, if its based on unique parts synergy?
all J-E pre or power ampsare based on Jud genius design but all parts are the latest and the best. Good example that Simon Thacher was main evaluator of copper teflon caps (see - review section of v-cap.com) and even now he is evaluating something new which might or might not end up in production... Moreover, there are number of modifiers here who KNOW Jud designs and always can do , at least part sabstitute if will be need in future upgrades.
Good Luck |
"FJN04 can you post the link to the audiophile rulebook? I am interested in how much of a price difference there can be before a comparison is no longer allowed. Is it based on a dollar value or is it a % thing?"
There is no rulebook, the OP can compare any preamp he would like. I just thought the OP should take in to consideration which units have phono stages, and then compare them accordingly. Just a for instance: The LAP-150 mk.2 price actually falls right between a Monbrison and a Masseto. If you ad a good phono to the LA 300 ME, that may put it in the V-R territory price wise. I would listen to both lines, if given the opportunity. |
As a new Shindo Aureigies-L owner, who was recently eyeing a used Joule, I am interested in this comparison. I don't think my preamp will be leaving my system for the foreseeable future, but I am curious. |
FJN04 can you post the link to the audiophile rulebook? I am interested in how much of a price difference there can be before a comparison is no longer allowed. Is it based on a dollar value or is it a % thing? |
Just a FYI here so you have accurate info on the retail pricing of Joule gear:
- LA-150MKII (line stage pre): $5,250 retail (no MkIII version of this preamp)
- LA-150SE (line stage preamp): $6,995 retail
- LA-300ME (line stage pre): $11,995 retail
- LAP-150MKII (includes on-board OPS-1 phono stage with power supply in separate chassis): $9,600 |
No worries. Not saying you shouldn't make the comparison,
but just thought it was worth mentioning. Do you require
a phono stage. |
Hi Fjn04, Your point is valid. It is not fair(based on list price) to compare Aurieges with JE LA 150 MKII SE. |
I have not, but just want to make a general statement.
I believe the JE LA 150 mk 2 or 3 is around 7-8K, while
the LA-300 ME is like 15K. A good phono stage w/ either
of these would be another 5K. Shouldn't you be comparing
these to a Massetto or V-R preamp. None of my business,
but comparing these to an Aurieges wouldn't seem fair. |
