2. amps-preamps
  3. 139744-2029

CJ Premier 17LS2 vs ET5/7

Hi,

I enjoy a Conrad Johnson Premier 17LS2 that is paired with a McCormack DNA 500 and Thiel CS5 speakers.

My problem is that the 17LS2 has an output impedance that can rise to 1600 ohms on the low end. The DNA 500 has an input impedance of 10,0000 ohms so I suspect that I am missing the last bit of bass. 

When I listen to other preamps with a lower output impedance, the bass goes a bit lower, but I sacrifice musicality and nuance.

My thinking is that, if I like the CJ sound, an ET5/7 with 100 ohm output impedance would get me that last bit of bass without losing the musicality and nuance.

Has anyone listened to these preamps and can tell me how the ET5/7 sounds compared to a 17LS2?

Thanks for listening,

Dsper
dsper
pops
2,273 posts
 
Hi Dsper,

Our systems are similar, I am driving Thiel CS6’s with Mcintosh 501’s that also have a 10K input inpedance. In the past I have used CJ Premier 14 that has a similar output impedance situation to your 17LS2. After switching to an ET5 the first thing I noticed was a significant increase in bass.

Also transparency and clairty which I attribute to the teflon caps, but the 14 is known for having a bit of the old CJ golden sound.

jahatl513 has good advice on tubes, the ET5 is a tube eater. I have been though several EH6922 which CJ supplies, also Philips ECC88 which CJ also supplies. The Philips lasted longer that the EH. I have a Seimens ECC88 I have not tried yet, it is supposed to be a tough tube. I have also heard great things about Amprex.

Frankly, I like the EH 6922, it just gets noisy after a couple hundred hours. Keep us posted on your journey.

Jerry





dsper OP
663 posts
 
hi pops,

Thank you for the info. The 17LS2 has the Teflon caps and it is very good. I inserted Phillips ECC88's and they seemed to clarify the sound - more clear.

Thanks for listening,

Scott
kw6
692 posts
 
Have any you guys heard the ET-3SE? How close is it to the ET-5?
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,580 posts
 
kw6
I have heard the ET-3SE mated w/ the Classic -Sixty power amp in a B&W / Audioquest system. The sound was liquid and sweet from top to bottom. Very musical and pleasing sound.  The ET-5 is on my list to demo.
Happy Listening!
johndinius's avatar
johndinius
23 posts
 
I have a CJ MF2275 mated to the ET-5, I moved up from the ET-3SE. Both pre’s are very good, but after settling in with the ET-5, I don’t see any need to change my system anytime soon. I am very content with my primary system.

though I am working on my second system. I might really like this hobby too much.
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