My Joule LAP-150 SE preamp is off to Jud to get the next level of upgrade to the Platinum version. Sounds like it will be another big improvement. I can't wait to get it back.
I upgraded my MK11 to the SE and I can tell you that the sound is the same only much better and more refined. The bass is cleaner and tighter but just as deep, the midrange is more detailed and the highs sparkle a bit more. All and all a good improvement, but I don't think it's a big enough change if you were'nt happy with the MK11. I find the bass really good so I wonder if it was a componant matching issue or the Tom Evans is even better?
Gregfisk, I am glad to hear you are happy with the improvements from MkII to SE. I was very close to making a deal on a new SE earlier this year, especially because of some great specials available through Joule, but ultimately decided to stay away from tubes for reasons of simplicity and because I am stuck with a pair of great amps that only support balanced signals. I continue to believe the Tom Evans (in the Lithos 7 iteration with the Pulse II power supply) is one of the best sounding preamps available in the $10K and under price range. The used prices are stupid low relative to the sound quality. I finally moved on from mine solely because of the balanced issue. I am now happily using a very custom SMc Audio preamp that supports balanced inputs and outputs. And it is every bit as good as the Tom Evans, and better in some ways. I would still jump at a chance to try a LA-450ME!
The descriptions given of the Joule preamps above are quite diverse. I used to own the LAP 150 MK 2. My take on it was that it had a very nice,full,warm sound, though I wanted a tad more extension on the top. I eventually wound up with the EAR 88PB phono preamp, which gave me that extra extension, but leaned more toward the "neutral" side. However, I still remember the Joule with fondness.
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