Conrard-Johnson CT5 tube rolling?

Damn this iPad auto- correcting keyboard! That's C-o-n-r-a-d. Sorry.

Hmmm, after 10 days and more than 100 views of the question, I'm beginning to believe that CJ tubes are the best choice for the CT5.

Audio blazer,

I put new tubes in last week and was blown away by the improvement...so I agree that refreshing tubes is a good idea.

One thing about the Ct5 is that it's tough on tubes. Even CJ customer service recommends every 1500 hours.

Tomy,

The ct5 uses the Sovtek 6H30p "super" tube and there aren't many sources for compatible and reliable alternatives I've recently learned.

Tomcy6,

Thanks so much for the tip! I will check the DR version out. If anyone knows of the most " reliable" source let me know.

Thanks for the referrals, guys!

Polyglot,

Congrats on the CT5! It's a marvelous preamp. I bet you got an amazing deal now that the ET 5 is out.

I decided to stick with CJ's supplied Sovtek tubes because the majority of posts I've read around the forums and boards indicate the expensive alternatives for the CT5 don't yield much bang for the buck. I'd love to hear if you have a different experience. How do you like the unit so far?

I *do* have one tip: Try a Hifi Tuning Supreme fuse in place of the stock fuse supplied by CJ. The fuse is accessible from the rear and relatively easy to swap out. Let the new fuse burn in for about 50 hours and then reverse the direction. You'll hear a difference and then you can know which direction you prefer. The fuse runs around $55 and is worth every penny, IMHO. I also use a Shunyata Python CX power cord (*far* better soundstage and transparency than the stock cord).

Sunnyboy1956,

I'm tempted to just say, "Yup!" LOL.

Ed, the very model of modern major tech guy at conrad-johnson, has told me several times that the tubes will operate well into the 3,000 hour range but that the sonic degradation at that point will be obvious if you replace them. When I replaced mine after 2,000 I was floored. A pair runs $135 right now and is *well* worth the price, IMHO. Tube degradation occurs very slowly and, therefore, seldom noticed until one begins to seriously fade.

When I replaced mine I fell in love with preamp all over again....gorgeous bloom, sparkling highs, prodigious lows, etc.

Pradeep,

I buy directly from CJ because they stand behind their tubes and test them rigorously. Put'em on your holiday wish list...I think you'll like what you hear!

Cheers,

Vance

Pradeep,

Look forward to hearing your impressions!

Vance

Pradeep,

Sorry the new tubes weren't a bigger bang for you, but at least you now know you're cooking with a full tank of gas. I agree that the damping rings are a must.