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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
cellorover
417 posts
 
Yes. There is more to come. The Premier 150 is sweet. It is the size of a Premier 18 preamp and sounds amazing.
cellorover
417 posts
 
Let me correct myself. CJ introduced it CES as the CA 200
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Chuck, thanks for the compliment. BTW I have sold the VTL7.5 and currently deciding between cj ACT2 and CT5. Still waiting for the CT5 to fully break in, so the ACT is clearly better at the moment. CT5 a little full in the bass and soft in the mids/treble -especially in microdynamics.

Didn't mean to imply the cj was thin, but compared to the cj tube amps, it is a little leaner compartively.
BTW I used to own the prem16 and it would be a nice match with the prem350.
jtimothya
612 posts
 
Congrats on the ART2!

The Premier 140 pairs with an ACT2 in my system that includes Audio Physic speakers rated at 89db which go down to 32HZ. The 140 has plenty of low-end harmonic weight and 'whumpf', and while it is quick, it is not as taut in the bass as a 350. The mid-range is delightful. It is the most neutral CJ amp I've heard, though still slightly toward the warm. Compared to some tube amps costing $3k-$5k more, the 140 comports itself nicely and used in the $4k range would be a good deal, imo. The ART should mate well with any of the choices on your list.

From what I understand as of late November, the LP140 monos and the LP70 are not broadly distributed yet. A few dealers have demo units, but don't know any who are selling. (any updates on this info?) Heard neither but *speculate* based on the teflon caps they will be more vivacious, dynamic and resolving. I wonder if it was CJ's (well placed) regard for the inclusion of the teflon caps that led them to give the 140 a life span of 4 yrs rather than their typical 6-7?

On the cusp of a model changeover for the tubed units, it might a consideration to look for a used 140, keep it a year or so, sell it for close to what you paid, then look at the LP140s. I'd want to hear any of the amps in my system straight into the wall before making a decision. If you want a SET sound with substantive bass, consider the EL-34 based Thor Audio Capriccio (~$10k) - should be gorgeous with your ART. Best of luck!
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