2. amps-preamps
  3. 1426620431

Getting the Upgrade Bug Again

I just listened to some CJ gear this weekend. It was the ET3 SE pre-amp coupled with the Classic 60 SE amp. Not that I am unhappy with my current integrated amp, but clearly this is a step upwards.

I want to stay with tubes and would prefer to purchase new gear. So is there anything else I should listen to that is in the same price range of the CJ gear, which is $9,500.
Ag insider logo xs@2xgreginnh
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Greginnh,

I think you are doing things in the wrong order here. Speakers (and their fit with your room) will make the most difference to the sound of your system. I'd suggest settling on speakers first, and then figure out what amp works best with them.

Again, an audio show would be very helpful (and in audio shows, speakers are easier to evaluate than the gear that they are paired with, IME).
Ag insider logo xs@2x
greginnh OP
382 posts
 
Thanks Roscoeiii. On the surface my approach may look a bit backwards but I should have left well alone. I know that I am extremely happy with my PrimaLuna integrated amp. am also happy with my sources and interconnects. The "updgrade" to B&W 803s was a big mistake (as others have pointed out). The only variable that I need to address now will be tube friendly speakers.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,590 posts
 
Break out the Raid.

The audio world is largely your oyster for a 10K investment.

Try a Rogue Pharoah Class D hybrid integrated, stick with an integrated and save a few grand. It'll pretty much drive anything to the max. My dealer who carries full Rogue and ARC lines thinks its the best. I've heard it and cannot disagree.

B&W is not a tube amp friendly design in general so I would steer clear of pure tube amps unless you have speakers better suited for the mating. The hybrid Pharoah is designed for those who like the sound of tubes but do not necessarily have the most tube amp friendly speakers to work with.
saki70
907 posts
 
Greginnh ;
I too have your amp now and it works nicely with my Di Capo i's from Reference 3a . Triangle would be another company to try .

Good Luck
saki70
907 posts
 
Greginnh ;
I believe that the stock Primaluna branded EL-34's are from Shuguang . If they are the reddish/brown base ones they are considered to be a pretty decent tube .

Happy Tunes
More to discover