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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.
pani
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
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.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Yes the VAC is now $12K and there is a special edition available for $16K.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
01-29-14: Czbbcl
Yes the VAC is now $12K and there is a special edition available for $16K.

Thanks Czbbcl. Jeez, I just can't keep up.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Don't feel bad I only know this because I was interested in the unit to replace my Cary SLI-80F1 until I found out the price. I then decided to go back to separates.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
What bothers me is that I have seen a couple for sale on the used market for $8K that were over a year old. The seller's were listing $12K as the new retail price, even though it was $10K when they bought it. Just one of my pet peeves.

I'm currently running separates myself, with a Cary SLP-98P as a preamp. What separates did you wind up going to?

To be honest though, I do still consider going back to an integrated amp, as my current separates are not quite as musical as the VAC Avatar Super integrated amp that they replaced.
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