Conrad Johnson Act 2 series 2 First Impressions


This will be an ongoing thread as I will periodically post my impressions as this unit breaks in . I owned the Act 2 series one for over a year and became quite familiar with its strengths and sonic character. The Act 2 series 2 has just arrived and I have 90 hours on it thus far . What is immediately obvious is the improvement in the midrange to the lower midrange . The notes and their color are fleshed out with greater ease and immediacy . I was listening to Diana Kralls Steppin Out and on virtually the entire disc , the difference between the two units is startlingly obvious. There is more depth and decay to acoustic bass notes imo. The brushes as they glide across the drum kit reverberate for a longer period and her voice has more of her chest in it. This is not to slight the Act 2 as I loved every second I listened to it . Its just that this new preamp is digger deeper in the midrange. The Teflon caps in their new gear takes 300 hours to break in in my experience so this observation is initial and superficial . I just wanted to begin this in public so those interested could follow my journey. More to come after 150 hours. Thanks .
brainwater

Showing 2 responses by audioblazer

Hi Brainwater, just upgrade from Act 2 to Act 2 series 2. When I had the ACT2 I didnt quite like it for the price I m paying. I felt that its too polite sounding and cant seems to handle the dynamics of classical music as well as I would like. ACT2 series 2 seems to make a hugh improvement even before break in. I noticed that the background is quieter. Dynamics, certainly much livelier. Overall its certainly more involving and musical. Even on the 1st day I can hear an obvious difference btw the two. Glad to have purchase it. However, I noticed that you have change to Art 2. Must be much better to upgrade so fast. Happy listening
Hi Brainwater, did you do a review on CJ Art 3? What is the difference between Art3 and Act2.2? TQ. Happy listening