Need recommendation for amplifier

I((('d be real curious to hear how the Dragons would sound with a top line CJ or a VTL preamp in front of them. It should round the rough edges quite a bit.)))
Kalali
Whenever you try and run a tube preamp into a 10 K load like above your rolling off the extremes ending up with a bleak lifeless system.
It's not the brands its the interface.

 When RVpiano hooks up the Belles with its 100 K input impedance i prdict he will know in less then 4 minutes whats going on by comparison.

 Also, make sure you read in the owners manual if your preamps invert
you will need to flip both speaker wires 180 out 
 Also on older CJs with non-polarized AC plugs take a voltmeter and check for best AC plug orientation into the wall outlet.

With Preamp off interconnects disconnected Place voltmeter on AC volts scales with positive probe on preamps chassis and black probe into unpainted wall ground screw or ground round hole.
measure the chassis voltage to preamp voltage then flip the orientation of ac plug and measure again.
 whichever way measures the least chassis voltage will sound best.

 Best JohnnyR
 
 

Hi Richard,

     I just saw you ordered the Belles 150 to try out, too.  Smart move, testing out as many different amps as you can in your home, for no or little cost and in your own system seems to me to be the best method I can think of to ensure you buy an amp you know you'll enjoy. 
     You're welcome for assisting you in your search but I actually enjoy trying to help others with their systems.  I get to vicariously enjoy their system improvements without switching all those connecting cables around.
     I know I tend to encourage people to give class D amps a try before buying anything else but not just because they provided such a significant upgrade in my system's performance but also because I think they offer the best bang for the buck.
     Of course, I realize that class D amps aren't always the best solution for everyone.  There are many good amps available that will provide very good sound quality in most people's systems.  But I'm fairly certain that good quality class D amps will outperform the vast majority of class A/B currently available since they're smaller, lighter, run cooler, are more efficient, quieter, more detailed, lower in distortion, have better bass response, are more dynamic and usually cost less.  I have heard a handful of very good class A/B amps that outperform some good quality class D amps, however, they're all quite expensive.
     I would urge you to ignore amp type and just choose the amp that you determine performs the best and is within your budget.
     

   
       
     

JohnnyR,

Not having a voltmeter, I just reversed the plug of my older CJ preamp in the socket and the sound improved.

That will work as well.
 Nice move!
JohnnyR

It’s really amazing how much of a difference it made.