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Conrad Johnson GAT - What else is there?

Hi folks -

I wanted to get some input on a preamp question. I’ve been in a search for the perfect preamp - I’m pairing the unit with AudioNet AMP monoblocks and powering a pair of Wilson Sophia 3’s. Previously, I had tried a fully upgraded Don Sachs DS2, Wells Audio Commander Level 2, and am now on the Conrad Johnson GAT v1.

Landing on the GAT seems like the perfect move. I bought the right piece of equipment, for an amazing price, from a great seller (huge shoutout to @audiotroy, Dave of Audio Intellect). Dave listened to the preamp woes I went through, found the right piece of gear for me, and made sure the GAT came to me after a paid-for pitstop at CJ for a full inspection - including brand new tubes. Highly recommended dealer.

The preamp does sound wonderful - I love the slight refinement of the signal to be just a bit more seductive while being natural, input and output options, balance control, EPL + HT sections and generally - it just gets out of the way! The one thing I’m considering is: it doesn’t have an auto power off, nor power button on the remote.

These aren’t deal breakers and I don’t think I’d really end up trading this away. The GAT is by far the best preamp I’ve owned… but since I can’t seem to stick with one piece of gear… if I was going to move on - any recommendations in the sub $10k range?
128x128respecthifi
11 responses Add your response
jwpstayman
387 posts
 
Take a look at the Backert Labs Rythm 1.3 preamp.  IT has everything you are looking for - tubes, full function remote, audio bias, XLR in and out if needed, home theater pass-thru designed to work when the pre is OFF.  IT is an amazing product and is seductive while being detailed and resolving to the max.  Happy listening

bobheinatz
705 posts
 
Deja Vu preamp.  Google them and give them a call.  I have been using one of their custom preamps for the past 10+ years.  Bested 2 other  CJ preamps.
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,608 posts
 
The preamp does sound wonderful - I love the slight refinement of the signal to be just a bit more seductive while being natural, input and output options, balance control, EPL + HT sections and generally - it just gets out of the way! The one thing I’m considering is: it doesn’t have an auto power off, nor power button on the remote.


first world problems...

maybe a mcintosh receiver would be more convenient 😂😂😂

sorry, just couldn't resist... hope you find your hifi nirvana
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,463 posts
 
If you can find one, a used AVM PA 8.2 will come in right around $10K depending on what inputs and outputs are in it.  Beauty of AVM is the ability to tailor the output to the amps you are pairing it with.  That to me as an extremely appealing.

A new 8.3 is way above your budget of $10K and with normal feature set is in the high teens.  It is my favorite preamp but tough to justify if you already have a $20K preamp like the GAT.  

They have a less expensive option at $6K, the PA 5.2, which is superb for the money but not sure it is quite at the level that you are used to or are looking for.  


mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
NOT MUCH!
soix
8,642 posts
 
How did the Sachs compare with the GAT?  Others I’d look at — CAT, Atmasphere, VAC, Allnic, Raven, LTA.
Post removed 
mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
934 posts
 
@respecthifi

They removed my post to you probably because I had attached a link to the product I was suggesting for you.  I will leave out the link this time.

I had suggested the new model preamp VK-80 from Balanced Audio Technology (BAT).  It fits in at the top end of your budget.  The product line is superb both sonically and in build quality.  This new model has the feature set you are seeking and I can't speak highly enough for the company; excellent in their customer experience when need for interface with them.  You can find reviews on various products from BAT and they are always exceptionally positive.  I have the predecessor model to the VK-80 (model VK-33SE) and it is just excellent.  I also recently  acquired their new model amp VK-90T and it is quite the unit.
Check out the VK-80 on the brand website.  I wish you well on your quest. 
emergingsoul
906 posts
 

Curious to know how things ended up? Ever get rid of the Conrad Johnsen preamp? Not sure I fully understand why you Woul get rid of it.

I’m trying to find a tube preamp, two or four tubes, that would benefit a home theater system for the main speakers of course.

I thought the CJ Remote turns the preamp to the standby mode by pressing the mute button for a few seconds. And then pressing mute again to turn it back on.  Does this work?

 

jumia
528 posts
 

Conrad Johnson can’t Connect to XLR cables. Not sure if this is a big deal. 

respecthifi's avatar
respecthifi OP
5 posts
 

Thanks for reaching out!

I did end up getting rid of the CJ setup. The main reason is: a tree fell on my house and destroyed the entire living space – so I had to give up the (not affected) audio room for at least the period of rebuilding (9-18 months).

During the period of being displaced, I have a much smaller space to put audio gear, so I transitioned to a more compact setup. I was considering an integrated, but found an integrated with DAC + Phonostage which I’m in love with.

It’s the Phison PD2 SE and the A2.120 SE.

I can not directly compare them as I don’t have the same speakers or sound treatment, but can say the setup is phenomenal. I’ve loving the Philharmonic 3’s which sound incredible at low volumes supplemented with the REL 212 SX.

At this time, I’m not sure where I’ll ultimately end up. I think I’ll have two systems with gear that I’ve accumulated through this process... tbd on which goes where in my future situation, generally – one will be in the living room the other in a garage-like man cave environment.

 

System 1:

Speakers: Philharmonic 3’s in Rosewood

Amplification, DAC, Phono: Phison PD2 SE + A2.120 SE

Turntable: VPI 21 Signature in Rosewood

Digital Source: Intel NUC w/ Roon

Subwoofer: 1x REL 212 SX

 

System 2:

Speakers: Trenner & Friedl Pharoahs

Preamp: Don Sachs DS2

Power Amp: Bespoke Phison Class D (Basically the power section from the Aavik U300 w/ upgraded PSU's)

Phono Stage: Don Sachs Phono w/ Cinemag SUTs

DAC: Chord Hugo for now

Turntable: AVID Accutus Reference SP

Digital Source: Intel NUC w/ Roon

Subwoofer: 1x REL 212 SX

 

We’ll see how this all ends up!

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