2. amps-preamps
  3. 982003720

Theatre Bypass Mod for CJ Preamp?

I am about to aquire a CJ tubed pre amp for my system. The deal is too good to pass on. My original plans had been for an Adcom GFP-750 based on the feature allowing my theatre controller to bypass the pre amp. Does anyone know of a reliable tech that may be able to provide the same feature on my CJ pre-amp? I am thrilled to be able to make the step to a tubed front end, but at the same time really concerned that it may be a moot point if I cannot integrate it smoothly into my system.
3728slingshot
3728slingshot OP
102 posts
 
Thanks ... depending on my wife's ability to follow the procedure ... that may actually work. My only qualm is the presence of two volume controls in the signal path and the possibility of the mains (now fed through tubes) sounding VERY different than the rest of the system. The CJ is a little older and I think darker than the THX processor. I'll have the system together this weekend and will post my results. Still hoping to find a good tech just in case.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Not sure that I understand your sonic concerns.Any 1/2 decent 2 ch pre amp should KILL the sound from a proscessor's preamp.Do we have a decent 2 ch amp?/or are we using a 5ch affair? The 2 ch pre is only a 'half' of the equation;a good 2 ch amp,being the other half.
Streetman:I have a Pioneer Elete with 2 coax outs. One is for DD,DTS/it goes to the dig.in of the processor.The other is the PCM/48,and that goes to my dac input for 2 ch.
3728slingshot OP
102 posts
 
My concern is that the signal will flow through the attunator in the processor, then again through the entire gain stage of the CJ. The THX processor is decidedly leaner sounding than the CJ. The mains will have been subject to the influence of the CJ, making them different in character from the remainder of the system is theatre mode. As for amplification I am using an Adcom GFA-555 for the mains and an Adcom 2535 with two of the four channels bridged for center and rear duties. Not the world's greatest rig, but a big step from my previous one. I suppose I could re cable the center and surrounds to bring them closer to the sound of the CJ ... More resons to tweak.
3728slingshot OP
102 posts
 
Streetman - almost forgot to address your question. I recently had to do what you propose for a short time. The only link that was needed between the processor and DVD was digital. The analog outs went to the pre amp for stereo. WARNING - most mass market DVD players sound terrible for music. My wife actually begged me to put the CAL back in the system when I did this. If you have a mass market DVD do not fail to go out and buy a seperate D/A to do stereo. Even a used Theta Cobalt or CAL Sigma is a huge step up from stock DVD analog outs!!! Or go one better and pick up a used CAL Icon MkII. Cheap and good with a better transport than average DVD players.
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