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CJ preamp upgrade suggestions

I'm currently considering upgrading my PR16LS2 to one of the following: ET5, ACT2S2 or GAT (the GAT would be a stretch). My system consists of an Esoteric K-03, CJ PR16LS2, CJ LP140M monoblocks, Focal Electra 1008 BE monitors, JL Audio F110 sub, Siltech IC and SC, Running Springs Haley power conditioner and Acoustic Zen Gargantua and Krakatoa PC. Our listening room is 20x22 feet with 9 foot ceilings. We listen mostly to jazz and love vocals and acoustic instruments. Periodically we listen to classic rock and larger scale classical music. I'm at an age where I intend this to be my final set of system upgrades. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks.
mfoley3
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,589 posts
 
A word of caution,the Focals can sound really aggressive/bright with some components.Hopefully you'll be able to audition before purchasing.
mfoley3 OP
47 posts
 
Thanks for the input guys. I'm directly familiar with the sound of Focal BE monitors (Electra and Diablo) and how they match with CJ tubed gear. I'm not similarly familiar with sound of the three candidate CJ preamps I mention, thus I'm trying to gain more insight. The idea of seeking onemug's input is a good one and I appreciate the caution about Focal's sensitivity to aggressive/bright upstream components. Thanks again.
jafant
18,823 posts
 
MFoley-

to my ears, the best CJ pre for me, has been the Act 2 Series 2. Keep us posted.
welcher's avatar
welcher
106 posts
 
I upgraded from a 16 series 1 to ET5. I enjoyed both and could happily live with either one. With the ET5 you will get a more dynamic and better defined sound stage. It is a little dryer sounding than the 16. One big advantage to ET5 is that it only uses one tube and greatly reduces the re-tubing costs. In the end I am glad I made the change.

System: Wilson Watt/Puppy 7, Cary 805C, CJ ET5, Berkley DAC, CJ 15 series 2, VPI TNT 3.5 turntable
mfoley3 OP
47 posts
 
My GAT arrived yesterday and I have about 30 hours on it. I'm surprised by how good it sounds already and also how it's midrange retains the musical qualities and ease of the 16LS2 it's replaced. I was hoping that would be the case and I'm pleased. The GAT also is displaying its superiority in terms of dynamics, extension at the high and low ends and greater clarity and detail. From what I've read, it will begin to really blossom around 170-200 hours and then continue to improve for another 300-500 hours.
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