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CJ preamp upgrade suggestions

I'm currently considering upgrading my PR16LS2 to one of the following: ET5, ACT2S2 or GAT (the GAT would be a stretch). My system consists of an Esoteric K-03, CJ PR16LS2, CJ LP140M monoblocks, Focal Electra 1008 BE monitors, JL Audio F110 sub, Siltech IC and SC, Running Springs Haley power conditioner and Acoustic Zen Gargantua and Krakatoa PC. Our listening room is 20x22 feet with 9 foot ceilings. We listen mostly to jazz and love vocals and acoustic instruments. Periodically we listen to classic rock and larger scale classical music. I'm at an age where I intend this to be my final set of system upgrades. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks.
mfoley3
mfoley3 OP
47 posts
 
A quick update - I received the Stillpoints Ultra SS with the correct sized threads. I installed them a week ago and have listened since then. While I don't listen as attentively as many that participate on this forum, I'm confident that the Ultra SS under the speakers have made a noticeable improvement. Like with the minis, the soundstage is a bit larger, deeper and better defined. Images are more specific, transients are cleaner, the bass is tighter and better defined and I believe the same is true for the higher frequencies. Live recordings, acoustic instruments and vocals are more realistically renedered. Interestingly, even poorer recordings seem to have benefitted as their imperfections are less noticeable and irritating. I spoke with Upscale last week, unfortunately Kevin was traveling. The fellow I spoke with highly recommended the telefunken 6922 and they arrived this afternoon. I expect to install them in a few days. I also haven't gotten around to arranging the installation of a dedicated circuit for my amps. I'll provide an update once I've gotten a sense for the new 6922s.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,597 posts
 
Mfoley, How have the Telefunkens worked out for you?
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,798 posts
 
All-

any tube-rolling suggestions for a CJ ET-5 & ET-3SE ?
Thank You and Happy Listeing!
mfoley3 OP
47 posts
 
Hi Guys, I'm pleased with the Telefunkens. The bass is tighter and seems more extended, the midrange is more open, dynamics are improved and the soundstage is more believable. Vocals and acoustic instruments sound wonderful. The only downside is that poorer recordings seem to have a bit of "tizziness" that I don't recall with the stock tubes. Upscale recommended their Telefunken Platinum version for use in the higher end CJ preamps such as the ET5. The cost is $10 per tube I believe. Overall, a highly recommended tweak.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,597 posts
 
Hi Mfoley,

I'm glad the Telefunkens sound good to you. Telefunkens are known in audiophile circles for their clarity, neutrality and long life. While generalizations don't tell us what a given tube will sound like in a given component or system, it sounds like that description could be what's causing the tizziness on poor recordings. Maybe you're just hearing some distortion that is on the recording.

I would first recommend that you give the tubes and GAT a little time to settle in or break in, which I'm sure you were going to do anyway. Then, if you decide you want something a little warmer or more forgiving, there are plenty of tubes that fit that description.

Enjoy your music!

Tom
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