New Variac for Joule Electra Amps

Jea- Yes this a purpose-built variac on the Joule amps. Given the heat load that 16 of those 6cc3b tubes put out, there must be a $hitload of juice (that's as technical as I get) of current or voltage or whatever being dissipated by those amps to be able to put out 160 wpc so I would be very cautious about using anything other than Joule-supplied variac.

Outlier- FWIW, did you follow Jud's directions as far as slowly ramping up voltage when you powered up the amps?

Disclaimer- I owned a VZN-80 for several years. Other than that, I have no technical or engineering skills. Bit I did stay at a Holiday Inn ;-).

Hi Swampwalker, yes, I've been very careful to follow Jud's guidance on dialing up the variac - per his actual words - a smooth, constant motion taking about 5 seconds in total.

The variac is actually very rickety though - my sense is that plenty of aftermarket variacs are bigger and have more tolerance that this one. The core itself is very small compared to some I've seen. I'd love to have one per amp - that would at least half the load, which may be part of the problem with using this little thing to drive both amps.

Outlier- That seems to jibe w my experience w the VZN-80...not the sturdiest construction, that's for sure! Not to denigrate the sound, but no one could Jud of going the 1/2" thick CNC-machined faceplate route ;-)

Hi Outlier,

Have you contacted Joule Electra and asked if they will sell a new variac to you? That would be great if they would. I thought Jud Barber retired recently due to age and health concerns.

Hi Thaluza, I have explored that route (and that would definitely be my preferred route), but it was not an option. I'm working with Rich at Signature Sound in NY on a rebuild - I've been very happy with his speedy and thorough engagement so far though I understand that there are no guarantees on what may be possible but will see. It may involve retrofitting a new variac vs. fixing this existing one.

Swampwalker, yes, it's a pity that these units aren't more bullet-proof. It's hard to put a price on reliability - it's easy to take it for granted until something goes awry with one's equipment..