Primaluna Dialogue Premium preamplifier vs Conrad Johnson ET5 (or CT5) preamplifier

yukio,

If you haven't done so already, head over to the conradjohnson owners forum. You will get lot's of info on the ET5 and how it compares to other CJ equipment,

My first CJ preamp was an ET5.  It sounded really good, but I had a hard time with the tube.  It only uses one and that tube works hard.  Anyway, I wont bore you with the long story of all the tubes I bought from all the highly recommended sellers before a kind soul put me wise and I bought a tube directly from Jeff at CJ.  Problem solved and lesson learned.  I just re-tubed my CJ ART 88, 27A, and ART Phono.  All the tubes came from Jeff at CJ.  Yes they are more expensive.  But I learned my lesson.  I wish you great joy with your ET5.

I would pay the extra for CJ. However, you mention ET5 vs CT5. Looking at the spec's, a bit different design. Most obvious is the tubes, ET5 using one 6922 and the CT5 having a pair of 6N30P's (great tubes). Obviously the newer design is probably the better option. I haven't heard the newer ET but I am familiar with the CT5 and think it's the cat's meow.

I have not heard an ET-5, so take this comment with a grain of salt... I'm just throwing out another option. 

I had a c-j PV-14L for a lot of years.  It's kinda entry level c-j, but a good performer for the money.  I bought it new.  A couple of years ago, I decided to upgrade to a used c-j Premier 17LS2.  It ended up having an issue and I opted to return it rather than trying to get it fixed.  I did have it for a couple of weeks and I bought a bunch of 6922 tubes while trying to trouble shoot it.  Still have them.... 

Anyway, I ended up with a Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp level 2.  I personally prefer it over the c-j preamps that I had. Tubes last a long time in it.