I have the KCT CAST connected to a 400cx. Before I switched to a Krell based system I had Bryston BP25 running into 7BST monoblocks. At that time I was looking for something with a bit more air and dynamic contrast so I suditioned a cj 17 pre with the 7BSTs and found it to be sweeter but as my wife said, lacking in oomph. So I audioned the KCT with the Bryston amps via balanaced lines and the result was much improved over the BP25 pre. At that point I realized that the KCT was optimized with the CAST into one of Krell's big amp, so decided to go the rest of the way. This was a couple of years ago and I have no desire to change out this combination. It has everything I could want, smoothness, dynanic contrast, extension top and bottom, soundstage that is dictated by the recording. In fact nothing artificial that I can identify. KCT-CAST-400cx, a keeper for life for life.
Conrad Johnson 17LS2 tube problems with Krell amp?
I have a Krell 400cx amp, Esoteric DV-50 universal player, B&W Nautilus 801 speakers, and the older Krell KRC-2 preamp. I'm considering the CJ 17LS2 preamp and wondering if there are any technical compatibility issues to worry about regarding using tubes with the Krell amp. I'm also considering Krell's KCT preamp. Has anybody heard either preamp in similar systems? I've yet to listen to them but intend to soon. I listen to classical music and hard rock music. Thanks for any advice.