Joule Electra OPS-1 or 2 MkIII

I have the separate power supply as well.
In response to the loading question, there is no soldering-- you just plug in the resistors into RCA jacks located next to the phono inputs.

As for the Benz "liking" 1K, this was not true in my system, and Jud does not load down his Cardas Heart (makes me wonder if the OPS is "voiced" to favor 47K??)

I was not aware that there was a Mk4. Any word on the cost for an upgrade, Monk?

I have a LA 150 and OPS-1 MV, upgraded a couple of years ago from LA100 III and OPS-1 III respectively. Separate power supply for the phono stage. There is slight noise only detectable at very low levels in the high gain seting using a Benz Wood M2, but I still think it sounds fantastic. Source is Nottingham Spacedeck with OL-Silver arm.

Nelsjay,

I too was looking to upgrade to the LA-150 from the LA-100 MkIII. Jud informed me that they do not do this upgrade anymore due to reliability issues. Based on your post I imagine your unit is fine. How would you compare the LA-100 MkIII to the LA-150. I was somewhat skeptical about those Russian tubes, but if the price was right I would have probably done the upgrade.

As a matter of fact, just needed to have the LA150 repaired two years after the upgrade. Jud took care of me and it is now working fine again. Comparing the two (which is tough, because obviously can't do it side by side), I would say the LA 150 is more detailed and dynamic with greater extension at both ends, though may lose some of the lushness of the LA100.

Nelsjay,

Thanks for the response. It was as I expected it to be. I have also heard that the LA-150 is a bit closer to solid state in its sound. I am very happy with the LA-100 MkIII and would not consider buying a new LA-150, but if I saw a used one at a good price I might not consider it. More likely, I may want the OPS2 which I believe has a volume control.