2. amps-preamps
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new CJ sound compared to old CJ sound

I am considering going back to a CJ linestage. Having owned the ART, the 16LS series 1 , and the premier 14 , I am familiar with the great dynamics, dimensionality, and that draw you in to the music quality those units had while in front of my old premier 8a amps. I was wondering if any of you have had any experience w/ the CT-5 or ACT2, and how the new CJ house sound may compare w/ the previous units I have owned. It would not be much of a surprise to hear the newer models are quieter, more dynamic, and have greater detail, but do they still retain all the qualities of the older units while doing so?
fjn04
Post removed 
cmach
198 posts
 
I owned a CJ Premier 17LS for a couple of years before
replacing it with the CT-5. The 17LS had more of the
classic CJ sound. It was warm and forgiving. A bit
rolled off on the top and bottom but the midrange
was excellent. Although I liked the warm sound
of the the 17LS it does occasionally get in the way.

The CT-5 is much more resolving and has better
dynamics. I find I'm listening more to the music
and less to my pre-amp with the CT-5. It seems to
vanish into the music in a way that the 17LS simply
could not.

Cmach
fjn04 OP
1,561 posts
 
I also had a similar experience to that of Tvad. I also thought the CT-5 rounded things out in direct comparison to the FS pres Dlx2. I ultimately decided to stay w/ the FS, but am now considering going to a truly balanced preamp. I have a long 26 ft. rca between amp / preamp and I have made some comparisons using shorter( 1 meter) runs of the same cable.
I feel that if I stay w/ this current setup ( amp/ speakers on short wall/ rest of components on long wall), it would be of great benefit to have that long run as an XLR. Hope I did not change the subject too much, I did own the 16 ls 1 and Art 1,and although they were on the warm side, I did not hear the CT-5 as a total departure from that.
cellorover
429 posts
 
I have heard the CT-5/LP 70 and CA 200 and have to say that my immediate reaction, aside from Wow, was how quiet and pure the sound was. I think neutral is a new reality and companies are finally learning how to get there. The new CJ sound is neutral and musical. They have not deviated from their roots, just improved upon them, maybe even come closer to perfecting them. It is not lean at all. I hear live music daily and know the difference between lean and electronically interferred with. CJ is accurate and musical. As we reach neutral we will see that many speaker companies are far from there, as are cables and digital. But, back to CJ. IMO they are on the right track and the new equipment is worth a serious listen. I for one will go with one of the new amps and keep it for a long time. CJ has allowed me to get off the amplifier merry-go-round. Cheers to Lew and Bill!
downunder
1,329 posts
 
this is the great thing about hifi. everyone's taste is different. One person's neutrality is another's brightness and visa versa.

My tastes are firmly in the slightly euphonic warm personality with midrange clarity and musical drive which enables me to enjoy ALL of my music, not just audiophile recordings .
always a balancing act thou to go too fare in either direction.

Cary seems to do that more than the current cj range of neutrality.
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