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Upgrade from CJ Premier 18ls

My question is this. What differences could I expect by changing out my preamp? The CJ is open and airy, the bass is very substantial. Imaging is very good and the midrange sweet and lush.

I would like a deeper, wider sounstage with out losing any of the qualities I currently enjoy. I also do not like having to go through an adapter between the two components.

Would I be better off with a Krell preamp? perhaps the kct or krc-hr?

My current equipment is

Krell fpb300cx amp
CJ Premier 18ls with signal magic power cord
Musichall cd25 with level 2 mods from underwood hi fi with signal magic power cord
jean Marie Reynaud Offrande speakers
AZ silver reference 2 from CD to pre
AZ Matrix reference 2 from pre to amp using cardas rca to xlr adapter
AZ Satori shotgun speaker cables

I listen to mostly jazz, and blues.

I would also like to thank everyone for the advice on Acoustic Zen cables a few months back...the improvement from Audioquest was noting short of amazing!

Thanks for any help
leatherneck1812
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I would suggest a tube pre-amp such as a used cj premier 16 or 17. I do not think a krell pre-amp or any other ss pre-amp is going to give you the qualities you are looking for. I am curious as to what model audioquest cables you were using when you switched to AZ?

Chuck
leatherneck1812 OP
116 posts
 
Chuck:

I was using all AZ Diamondback with JM Reynaud speaker cables before. Every aspect of my system opened up with the AZ cables. Deeper much more solid bass, extended highs, more air around instruments, and more depth, as well as a much more detailed and focused soundstage

Have you heard the 18ls compared to the 17 or 16?

What differences would I hear?

Thanks,
Russ
cmach
198 posts
 
I agree with Czbbcl. A used 17LS, 17LS2 or a 16LS
would give you everything your looking for and then some.
I had my 17LS for a couple of year before switching to
the CJ CT5 and enjoyed it a lot. I do recommend replacing
the stock tubes though. Good luck.

Cmach
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