@mati1979 I think you'd have to try the CJ ET-3 with MC452 to hear for yourself whether or not it is what you are looking for. Don't rule out trying SS McIntosh preamp, I never thought I would ever move away from a tube preamp until I heard a C42. lastly, a good power cable on the MC452 IMO will allow the amp to perform at a much higher level. Some may disagree, but my experience indicates otherwise. I was recently amazed by what a Purist LE Contego power cable did for my system. Expensive yes, but the increase in performance was amazing to me.