Yes, it is odd that there are not more comments from CJ ET2 owners so far, especially when you see the exhaustive analysis of the various AR preamps. And also given the TAS 2009 Editors' Choice Award to ET2. Could anyone describe the ET2 relative to other CJ, AR, or similarly-priced tube preamps?
Conrad Johnson ET2 + MC275?
I'm researching tube preamps to go with my McIntosh amp and I'm finding little info about the ET2. TAS "review" was lousy, Stereophile's comment was just that (a comment), and other online reviews were quite shallow. Can somebody provide input? CJ website has close to no info.
I know it's only single ended, which is a downside when pairing it with my MC275 Mk IV, as the RCA input goes thru an additional phase splitter tube and volume pots...
Is it a purist-type design? The volume control was said to be chip driven and said to be second best to stepped attenuators.
Is it a silent pre?
Is it coloured? On the detailed/analytical side?
How does it perform on trebble, mids, and bass? Extended?
Is it a dual mono design?
Someone here mentioned a CJ LS 17 (I think) worked really well with his MC275. Might the ET2 work well too?
Other preamps in my short list are: First Sound Presence (also single ended only, but dual mono), Atma-Sphere MP3 (XLR only), Joule LA-100 & LA-150 (single ended only), Lamm LL2 (single ended only), Aesthetix Callypso. FWIW, speakers are B&W 804S
Any and all info would be helpful.
Thanks in advance!
I know it's only single ended, which is a downside when pairing it with my MC275 Mk IV, as the RCA input goes thru an additional phase splitter tube and volume pots...
Is it a purist-type design? The volume control was said to be chip driven and said to be second best to stepped attenuators.
Is it a silent pre?
Is it coloured? On the detailed/analytical side?
How does it perform on trebble, mids, and bass? Extended?
Is it a dual mono design?
Someone here mentioned a CJ LS 17 (I think) worked really well with his MC275. Might the ET2 work well too?
Other preamps in my short list are: First Sound Presence (also single ended only, but dual mono), Atma-Sphere MP3 (XLR only), Joule LA-100 & LA-150 (single ended only), Lamm LL2 (single ended only), Aesthetix Callypso. FWIW, speakers are B&W 804S
Any and all info would be helpful.
Thanks in advance!