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REVIEW: Joule Electra Stargate Amplifier (Tube)

Model: Stargate
Category: Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $5500
Description: 30 watts SET
Manufacturer URL: Joule Electra
Model Picture: View

Review by mew on December 23, 2001 at 11:02:15
IP Address: 139.62.229.65
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for the Stargate


I would like to corroborate the positive evaluation submitted by Celluloid regarding this wonderful amplifier. In the quest for perfect sound I have tried, and lived with, amplifiers by Edge, Wavac, Audio Matiere, and others, some in combination with Jud Barber's LA-100 linestage. The Stargate monoblocks, in combination with the retubed and reconfigured LA-150 Joule-Electra linestage (utilizing a heavier power supply and the terrific 6H30 tube), after a break-in period of approximately three weeks, is producing sound superior to any combination of equipment I have listened to previously. Mated with a highly modified Cary CD-302 cd player (tubed with NOS Siemens ECC88) and the highly musical Tyler Acoustics 7U loudspeakers, the Stargates contribute to a sound which is liquid and round (that is, deep and full rather than sharp and edgey), but at the same time fast and dynamic. I am experiencing SET beauty without SET bloat, and solid state control without solid state fatigue. In this sense the amps seem to complement the Tyler loudspeakers (and my room) perfectly: the Tylers have a very credible bass down to 35 Hz, and the Stargates enable them to realize their full potential and perhaps then some. Likewise, the wonderful mid-range and treble capabilities of the Tylers (resulting from their incorporation of Seas millennium and Scanspeak revelator drivers) are reinforced perfectly by the Stargates. The reproduction of voice, of violin (I am listening to the Mozart violin concertos as I write this) is impeccable, utterly present and extended and pure, rich in detail but in no way shrill or brittle. In sum, I think these amps are terrific, and at a cost that is still modest in comparison to some competing products. They are also well-behaved, a cinch to bias, and blissfully quiet. And in the event of problems, there is always the reassurance that when one purchases Joule-Electra products one is getting not only the equipment but also the knowledge, support, and kindness of Jud and Marianne Barber.


Product Weakness: In the context of my listening space and musical preferences, none.
Product Strengths: see review


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Joule Electra Stargate
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Joule Electra LA-150
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Cary CD-302
Speakers: Tyler 7U
Cables/Interconnects: Audience
Music Used (Genre/Selections): classical, acoustic, etc.
Room Size (LxWxH): 13 x 12 x 10
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Audio Prism Foundation III
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner





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Topic - REVIEW: Joule Electra Stargate Amplifier (Tube) - mew 11:02:15 12/23/01 (2)


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