CJ ACT2 with Premier 140 or 350 or LP70S?


I just bought myself a VR4SR with 91DB. Need to change my 24 watt SET Unison Research S8 Integrated amplifier. Doesn't sound gd esp bass. Decided to purchase CJ ART2 but not sure which CJ power amp to pair it with. I listen to mainly vocal. On turntable I prefer rock song fr Pink Floyd, CCR, Fleetmac wood etc. Presently waiting for my VPI HRX turntable. My current system consists of the following : power cord, interconnect and speaker cable- transparent reference. Exactpower conditioner and Transparent PIXL. Transport CEC 51x connected to Benchmark DAC1 with balanced XLO signature cable. BDR cone supporting all the gears. Your opinion is much appreciated. Happy Listening
128x128audioblazer
Audioblazer

Any of them would work very well with your speakers. If you were satisfied with your SET integrated and don't mind the heat and maintenance I would go with the 140 or the LP70M (mono-bloc). I must admitt an affection for tube amps after having owned my premier 11a (still miss that amp)but my speakers are just to inefficent. I did consider heavily the purchase of a 140 prior to purchasing the 350. However, I ultimately believe I made the right choice when I hear the clarity of the bass coming from those kettle drums on symphonic music.

As you probably know the 140 is discontinued so you would have to buy used. This gives you the opportunity to sell it and not lose much if any money if you choose to resell it. Good Luck in your decision and congratultions on your pre-amp purchase. Happy listening to you as well.

Chuck
It really comes down to your ears. The 350 is an amazing amp and with an ACT2 you should be happy. Back to your ears...do you want tubes, clarity, detail, music or all of the above. The 140 is not a 350. It has a natural midrange but not all the robust and air of the 350. But, that is my opinion. It is my understanding that the LP70S will not have as much headroom as the 140 but is faster and more detailed and maybe even sweeter...teflon caps? But here is a new twist. CJ will ship the Premier 150 this spring. Using their terminology, it is a control amplifier. If I remember and have this right, it is half of the Premier 350 with the swtiching and volume control from the Premier 18. It has no gain and the volume control attenuates output. So, it is quasi passsive or a non-integrated integrated. It sounds lovely. I like this amp! One box. Great sound. More than enough power.
I haven't had an opportunity to listen to the 350, or the LP70S, however I am currently driving my 89db VR4 GEN III SEs with the 140, and think the combination works very well together. The 140 is optimized for 4ohm loads, so it shouldn't have any problems driving your Srs. In my room the 140 / VR-4 is capable of clean mid 90db output on complex music with well controlled, and tuneful bass. On the other hand you probably couldn't go wrong with the Act2 / 350 combination.
cellorover, are u saying there will be a new product called CJ150? quasi passive or non integrated intergrated amplifier?tq for responding. Happy listening
Yes. There is more to come. The Premier 150 is sweet. It is the size of a Premier 18 preamp and sounds amazing.