2. amps-preamps
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CJ vs. BAT vs. THOR preamps, who's best?

Hi.
Looking for some input as to which of the above's top of the line, past & present preamps provide the best overall flexibility, and sonically involving presentation? ...and have the best support. Likely one of these will be paired with at least a solid state amp... possibly a tube as well if I bi-amp. Currently using VR4 JR's and if these change it will be to a little more efficient set of loudspeakers, but likely as close to full range as is possible.

I lean towards the euphonic - romantic side of things sonically speaking. And, 'gasp!' a bit towards the darker side of neutral... with needs being, very good to great bottom end and natural earthy sounding mids - no extension in the high end arena really necessary, just sweet and balanced on the whole.

I've got the VK5i, heard the TA1000 mkII, and know little about the CJ end of things other than that they invert the signal during it's development and only the BAT can afford one the use of a balanced setup... gotta go single ended with the others.

...again, support & flexibility with different amps are almost as if not as important as the sonic signature, to me.

Thanks in advance...
blindjim
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
RE:VAC - best preamps I have heard, including Thor, BAT and CJ, for sheer palpability and musicality it doesn't get much better, at any price. Very involving sound, as if you are really "there". Started with a Standard LE and now have the top of the line Phi 2.0, mated to a McCormack DNA-500 amp. Sheer magic. Kevin is also one of THE nicest, most service-oriented people in audio and a real pleasure to deal with. He really stands behind his gear and he will work with you to match your preferences with what he has available, if there is a fit.

You owe it to yourself to go visit, especially if he's nearby - it will definitely be worth your while and may be quite eye- and ear-opening. Talking with him really helped me tremendously. Also, his products are built to last a lifetime - truly world-class equipment.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I have never heard the top of line BAT, CJ, or Thor pre-amps you are talking about, but I will tell you the Fplanner2000 knows what he is talking about. I have just added a VAC Ren Mk2 pre to my system, and it is amazing. Micro-dynamics and detail up the ying-yang, without any hint of analytical/hi-fi-ish sound. Involving without being romantic. And it can run balanced or single ended (inputs and outputs). Highly recommended.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Well Jim, I owned a VAC Ren MK 2 for a couple of days, I bought it used on AudiogoN, but it must have been defective.
While it did sound very good musically, I could not touch anything on the front panel, mute switch, volume control, selector switch, nothing without getting a loud crackling sound come through my speakers. So I sent it back....long story.

One note though, the VAC is not fully balanced, only psuedo balanced. That means it doesn't have a fully differential design (same circuitry for + and - legs of each channel). It merely has balanced input jacks which it then converts to single ended once inside the preamp/amp.
Not that there's anything wrong with that, I'm just making sure that you know.

Regards,
John
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
John- Either you have a very highly charged personality ;~) or the pre must have been defective. During dry days this winter I get a little static "snap" when I touch a switch on the front panel nothing through the speakers, thats for sure. Too bad you had a problem with yours; my system is really singing these days.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Swampwalker, I'm sure it was defective, as my wife assures me that I certainly do not have a highly charged personality ;~)

It's a shame, because when listening while using the remote and not touching the unit, it definitely had big potential. I thought it sounded better than the CJ 16LS mk II that I had, but I prefferred the BAT VK-51SE. The VAC was a bit more refined, while the BAT was more dynamic and powerful. It comes down to personal choices and system matching me thinks.

John
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