Ideas re Spectron mated to Joule-Electra

Thanks for all the help. The Ayer is beyond my budget (upper limit roughly about 5k for a preamp). For those with the mono blocks, are you just using 2 Musician III Mk2's? Or is there some other model I'm not familiar with? Did you ever set up your system with just 1 Musician III Mk2? (Two is more than I can afford.) Is there that big a difference?

You could always start with one Spectron and if and when you want add another. My amps are the latest Musician III Mk2's with all the upgrades, v-cap, bybee and fuses. Two monoblocks brings you to the next level, but start with one and go from there.

I have the LA-150 MKII and find the above to be true. It's a seductive and clean preamp with a touch of sweetness and very good extension on both ends. I agree that the highs are not the most extended but I tend to sell the ones that I want to turn down and keep the ones that I play louder.

Highly recommended in the used $2500 range. You are looking to spend twice this amount? Never heard of Spectron.

I have sold my LA-300ME to friend of mine and ordered LA-450ME. I am not sure why I did it but I did it - may be for the same reason I sold my Watt/Puppy 8 and bought Sasha. Still keeping my Spectrons. If they outperformed Pass Lab XA-200.5 then I don;t know what should I investigate next... may be source.

Mike

I love the combo together. I started with LAP 150 MKII and then had it upgraded to SE version. The SE version tightens the bass and increases the top air. I had to change cables but I like the sound better now.