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New Variac for Joule Electra Amps

I have a pair of Joule Electra VZN-160 amps and have been using them happily for the last six years. They use a single outboard variac for voltage regulation. I how have a problem where something inside (the core) is glowing and a burning smell starts to manifest.

I'm able to send it in to their out-of-warranty repair facility for a likely core replacement (likely $500ish or more) though it will take ten weeks before it ships back.

Has anyone got other ideas on how to fix this issue? Is there any after-market variac that would work, or could I just somehow get a new one?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
128x128outlier
outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
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.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
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 ;-)
thaluza's avatar
thaluza
287 posts
 
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.
outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
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..
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Outlier- Should have thought to suggest talking to Signature Sound...they have always been heavily involved w Joule (and Merlin) gear. As for build quality, it's not only electrical reliability, but also mechanical that I was concerned with. That is to say that the physical integrity/strength of the casework, I/O jacks/posts, etc, did not seem to be consistent with the sound quality. But that might also have been a function of buying on the used market with unknown # of owners andshipping cycles. Hope you can get the amps up and running soon; winter is their "peak season" ;-)
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