2. amps-preamps
  3. 1033005657

CJ Premier 5's - Opinions?

I am beginning to shop aroud for "new" monoblock tubed amps after some recent problems with my current (whicj I won't name out of courtesy, depsite pretty crappy support form the designer) CJ amps are highly recommended for my Sonus Faber speakers, SO I'm considering CJ Premier 12's. However, I do recall some enthusiastic discussion on Audiogon a while back on the Premier 5's,particularly in the XS Triode incarnation. Alas, I can't pull up the old threads.Since the 5's can be had at a better price than the Premier 12's. I would appreciate any thoughts/comparisons between the two, and any information you might have on the XS triode conversion (cost, where to get it done) and any other recommended mods on the 5's
128x128alexc
jman
99 posts
 
I presntly own 5's in triode version..used to own 12's (ultralinear) a couple of amps back but never compared side by side..I can't say which one is better for certain it may come down to your system..I love both these amps the 12's are warm, rich, lush and the 5's even more so..the 5's are effortless, even in triode mode they have plenty of power for my cls..never heard the 8xs wonder how they stack up?
alexc's avatar
alexc OP
265 posts
 
Thanks, guys. The 8XS are well out of reach right now, and not available at the only hi fi dealer in town (Caracas, Venezuela these days). He does sell Red Rose gear, but $ 25 K for monoblocks is even more obscene than than Prem 8's - Mark has always liked to price himself "up there".... In fariness, the Red Rose integrated with the JM Lab Mini Utopias sounds pretty damned good in triote mode..but my Guarneris are only 86 dB efficient so that, though affordable, won't cut it in my largish room. Any perspective on cost of the mod to triode? I am definitely going to follow up on a deal with Ed, but in case that falls thru the occassional unmodified Prem 5's do show up on Audiogon (1 pair for sale now, and another one a couple of weeks ago)
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Oh ya the 5's club. We need to get out more often A?Bill did mine a couple of years ago. I have the Svets, (new, came with) and Siemans(also came with--Thanks Johny) The svets were only in for 2 short sesions--as in 2 too many. Siemens are just so more envolving. Ok, so now we know my tube preference. My freind Joe Jr from Jersey had these same amps. While he had them, he also had several mega buck amps going in and out the doors including 8a's. Pretty much they are the equal of the 8XS minus the bass. It's the old caps vs transformers problem. The upgrade situation: (cost somewhere around 6/700)Before this, you couldn't get a normal spade on the "barier strip" Install 5 way posts.Installation of an IEC --right up there with being able to use today's normal spade---in sonic improvement. Yes the circuit work helps and lastly going to all triode. You have quite a piece of work. As good or better than most anything you'll find used for 5k. Assuming the 12's are a pentode using 6550's I think my 5 will eat it for breakfast.(burp) Ok, now what was the question? George
More to discover