Joule Electra VZN100 Replace with what?


What a journey this audio stuff. We've been through a lot of great amps. I ended up with these amps in a trade. I didn't even want to hook them up! But my audiophile buddies wanted to hear them, and when we hooked them up, Uh oh. I've been stuck with them ever since.

They can heat a room - great for winter time. They are dangerous to my now 3 year old who loves to dance and play air guitar and drums. The designer I found, is NOT a friendly or supportive fellow. They make a bit of noise. But since that day they first, made a loud hum, then played music. Not manufactured music, but music. Another fine amp just got shot down and I really wanted to like the amp that might have been a replacement.

After hearing so many amps come through my room, one can easily discern the sonic signature of the Joules. Open, speed, Dynamics, huge soundstage and a u are there feeling. It's addictive. It's as if, nothing is between you and the performance.

In my system, they don't need to perform below 200Hz as my Super V's have servo controlled woofers built-in. Knowing all components are system dependent, I know that part of this magic is marriage. And we have our fights. Jr starts twirling, I get nervous. Hot days AC does battle. They may never be totally silent although to be honest. I never hear them when music is playing.

Still Haven't tried an Audio Note amp. Lamm too would be nice. Audio Research has a new amp that might do battle with the Joules as well.

FYI regarding system the VZN100's uses an Allnic preamp and a NAD M50 DAC. The front end is computer FLAC files on a CAPs server using power from a SOTA PS fed from PS Audio PPP, fed from Oyaide R1 on a dedicated circuit. The USB SoTM card is on its own PS as well. Power to the people and I learned long ago it can't be good enough. But that's just me. Also a Super Scoutmaster for vinyl.

Folks who've owned or have experience with the Joules, any feedback?

Thanks!
128x128desalvo55
I have spoken a couple of times with the repair guy Steven... he's awesome. Maybe he can help you:

Steven Leckrone
The Service Department
30 Unquowa Hill St
Bridgeport CT 06604
203-331-0671
As it turned out, it was simply a bad connection on my part, that I fixed, no big deal but worriesome at the time.

I called Steven, a great guy from my phone conversation, and would have sent these amps across the country if needed. Thankfully, they didn't have to make the trip.

Also, Rich Brkich from Signature Sound was a great help. Many really good people in the industry.

Just came back from The Show at Newport Beach. Wow, many great systems. Wife and I really like the Wells Audio amp. Also, a new speaker was shown, the Onda Ligera, but that's for another thread.
If you can repair an IEC socket you can build Hypex nCore 400 kits for less than most other used class D for your summer listening. Just be careful you slip into the dark side.

VZN100 to ARC Ref 75, really?