CJ preamp upgrade suggestions

Ericteh, Are the Telefunkens you are using current production or NOS?

Upscale Audio recently purchased a large quantity of brand new, never used NOS NIB (new in box) Telefunken E88CCs and is selling them for a very good price. I would strongly recommend that you try these in a preamp of the quality of the GAT. I can't guarantee that you'll like them but you owe it to yourself to give them a try.

If you buy new Telefunkens elsewhere, make sure they are not the JJs labeled Telefunken currently being manufactured. I haven't compared them but I think most would agree the JJs are not Telefunken quality tubes.

While you're at it, call Kevin Deal at Upscale and discuss what you are looking for in the sound of your tubes. Some people don't like Kevin's manner on the phone, but Kevin knows tubes and tube gear and is a straight shooter, maybe that's why some people don't like him.

He has a great selection of NOS tubes and the best testing gear. You should be able to find the perfect tubes for your GAT along with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are getting what you paid for.

I have no connection to Upscale and have never met Kevin.

Glad to hear that your system has come together so well M. That's what we're all after, that elusive synergy that makes all the trouble and expense worth it.

When you start experimenting with tubes, just have an idea of what effect you would like the tubes to have on the sound of your system and I'm sure you can find a tube that works for you. It may or may not be the Telefunkens, but talking to Kevin is a good place to start.

Mfoley, How have the Telefunkens worked out for you?

Hi Mfoley,

I'm glad the Telefunkens sound good to you. Telefunkens are known in audiophile circles for their clarity, neutrality and long life. While generalizations don't tell us what a given tube will sound like in a given component or system, it sounds like that description could be what's causing the tizziness on poor recordings. Maybe you're just hearing some distortion that is on the recording.

I would first recommend that you give the tubes and GAT a little time to settle in or break in, which I'm sure you were going to do anyway. Then, if you decide you want something a little warmer or more forgiving, there are plenty of tubes that fit that description.

Enjoy your music!

Tom