2. amps-preamps
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Which is REALLY the best Conrad Johnson Preamp

I would like to start a discussion about what you think is the best sounding CJ Preamp. Just because the manufacturer needs to change to sell more boxes and Magazines need advertising dollars doesn't always mean that the sonics have improved. For example some audiophiles like the older art series over the new GAT Preamps and it's lesser siblings. Would like the informed opinions of those lucky audiophiles who have heard both. I like the old CJ sound but haven't heard the new offerings.
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Showing 3 responses by jjss49

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jjss49
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Great thread indeed.

I keep going back and forth between my ET5 and Premier 16LS2.  The Premier is indeed a guilty pleasure.  Such gorgeous presentation but definitely some euphoric expansion and injected lushness going on.  ET5 is closer to neutral.  Both lovely lovely lovely.  
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jjss49
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nice we revived this old thread... 👌

but will the next reply come in 2026?  🤣

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jjss49
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@jafant

yes i agree that would be nice but at this point doubtful is my guess

since jeff f took over the company i feel the pace of innovation has slowed significantly

perhaps it was the covid period but my sense is that they have good business exporting to asian and european markets, raised prices and cut off marginal products to stay fully solvent, minimizing new product work, at least for the time being

especially with the war and tube supplies being a mess, especially power tubes, a new tube integrated would be most unwise to launch

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