Thoughts from Joule preamp owners?

I prefer my Aesthetix Calypso & Calypso Signature to the LA-150 that I owned about 4 years ago.

I like my Joule LA 100 quite a bit.

It gets rotated with several other preamps, but usually goes on-line with Cary 300B monos and Merlin VSMs downstream and vinyl (Oracle/Graham via Aesthetix Rhea) upstream. At the other end of the spectrum, I recently converted my digital sources to a full-blown DSP environment (Onkyo pre-pro and SS amp). So, 2 very different kettles for my fish - and 2 satisfying solutions.

For the full-blown retro-analog application, it's been a great performer. And a real soldier for many years now.

Marty

If your system needs a bit more warmth and a more fleshed out lower octave, then the Joule will be the ticket. When I had Merlin speakers, I too mated them with a LP150, and the Merlin’s benefited from the added warmth and bass drive. Great combination. I change my speakers and subsequently needed to change the pre-amp as my new speakers benefited from a more neutral pre-amp. A carefully matched Joule to one’s system can be very enjoyable.

I have owned the LAP 150 MkII for about 4+ years now. I like it very much. It is detailed and precise but not so detailed that the music is lost. There is an unforced, natural clarity to the music with it in the chain. I use it with Merlin VSM MX's. The bass is full without being tubby, the midrange is involving but neutral and the highs are extended. I listen mainly to jazz and some classical. I have experienced no mechanical issues with it whatsoever and it is apparently easy on the tubes. I also appreciate the covenience of the remote (I can lower the volume without moving when my wife complains!).

My experience and comments match exactly those of the previous two posts, when I used the LA-150 Special Edition - even better bass performance - one of the very worthy contenders for consideration in any SOTA system. No one can tell you if you will love them, but that won't be a matter of quality, but taste.