There is currently a pair of LP125m's on this site for sale; no affiliation with the seller. And as far as a pre goes I would go as far up the line as funds would permit so of those on your list I would chose the ET5.
Help me choose a Conrad Johnson pre-power
Friends,
I currently use a superb Wavac EC-300B SET amplifier. Whereas I thought this will probably be a very long term purchase, my Tannoy Turnberry speakers seems not very happy with the 10 odd watts that the Wavac produces. At this point I may have to give up the amazing Wavac and look around for a more powerful valve amplification.
I recently heard a CJ classic preamp + Premier 11 power amp driving a Tannoy and it was superb. I did not really expect a high powered tube amp to have such speed and coherence. I have come from the Naim/Linn background so speed and timing is paramount to me. That CJ combination did everything that a Naim does but infused a glow and natural warmth that is only a valve can do. The Wavac I use takes it to the next level by making it even more honest and pure. However it probably doesnt feel at home with my 93 db sensitive speakers.
When I look at the CJ line of equipments I feel lost among so many models. My budget is about $10k for a pre-power combination. I am more inclined to buy pre-owned so even the older models can considered.
Based on some research I have done on internet, here are the options:
Preamps:
1. Classic SE
2. ET3
3. ET5
Power amps:
1. Premier 11
2. Premier 12
3. Classic 60SE
4. LP125m
5. LP125sa
At this point the last thing I want is a mismatch in pre-power combination. I do not exactly know which pre-power combination would give me the best bang for the $10k sum.
The most obvious combination to me is the ET3 + Classic 60SE. Both are current models and matched to each other by the company. However my budget might permit me to go with ET5 or LP125m too. That is where I need help from the more experienced members here.
Please help me choose a pre-power from Conrad Johnson.
BTW, I listen to all kinds of music from Mozart to Metallica.
I currently use a superb Wavac EC-300B SET amplifier. Whereas I thought this will probably be a very long term purchase, my Tannoy Turnberry speakers seems not very happy with the 10 odd watts that the Wavac produces. At this point I may have to give up the amazing Wavac and look around for a more powerful valve amplification.
I recently heard a CJ classic preamp + Premier 11 power amp driving a Tannoy and it was superb. I did not really expect a high powered tube amp to have such speed and coherence. I have come from the Naim/Linn background so speed and timing is paramount to me. That CJ combination did everything that a Naim does but infused a glow and natural warmth that is only a valve can do. The Wavac I use takes it to the next level by making it even more honest and pure. However it probably doesnt feel at home with my 93 db sensitive speakers.
When I look at the CJ line of equipments I feel lost among so many models. My budget is about $10k for a pre-power combination. I am more inclined to buy pre-owned so even the older models can considered.
Based on some research I have done on internet, here are the options:
Preamps:
1. Classic SE
2. ET3
3. ET5
Power amps:
1. Premier 11
2. Premier 12
3. Classic 60SE
4. LP125m
5. LP125sa
At this point the last thing I want is a mismatch in pre-power combination. I do not exactly know which pre-power combination would give me the best bang for the $10k sum.
The most obvious combination to me is the ET3 + Classic 60SE. Both are current models and matched to each other by the company. However my budget might permit me to go with ET5 or LP125m too. That is where I need help from the more experienced members here.
Please help me choose a pre-power from Conrad Johnson.
BTW, I listen to all kinds of music from Mozart to Metallica.
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- 18 posts total
If you are simply looking for more power than the Wavac SET integrated amp that you are currently using and want a very nice matching preamp and power amp, I would recommend you try to get a listen to the VAC Sigma 160i integrated amp. I'm not trying to throw you a curveball, I just thought I'd throw that option out there, since if I were looking to spend that kind of money around and desired good synergy, that is where I would look. The Sigma will put out a robust 85 wpc and lists for $10K, though I have heard rumors that the list price has gone up recently. Happy Hunting. |
- 18 posts total