conrad johnson CT6 with solid state amp

Tom, I would never own a solid state preamp OR amp, so I guess I'm into this "tube richness" thing, like it or not. We're obviously talking semantics here -- your "richness" becoming my "coloration," when we probably mean much the same thing about why we like listening to tube gear. Well, some tube gear in my case -- maybe midway between the older tube stuff and SS.

Bottom line: I had the CT6 in my system for a day and was monumentally underwhelmed, compared to my then-preamp, the Prem 17LS2. The CT6 listed for exactly the same amount -- $4500 -- as the original Premier 17LS, while the Premier 17LS2 upped the ante to $6000, the difference being mostly the teflon caps. Sonically, as the reviews indicated, they were in different leagues.

I have the CT6 paired with the Nuforce 9.02 ssamp and the combo works great. Everytime I think about upgrading I put a CD on and wonder how my system could sound better without spending a small fortune. I have not compared the CT6 to other CJ pre amps but in my system it is a good performer. At its price point it is very competitive.

I can’t comment on the CT6 paired with SS. Mine is paired with tube amps. But the CT6 is very much a TUBE preamp albeit a little dry with the stock tubes. Try using vintage tubes which are a big improvement over the stock. Both Amperex and Siemans will give you what you appear to be looking for.

I have the CT6 with the CJ MF2500 and I am happy enough. I used to have a passive volume control before the CT6 and now I can defiently hear the tube sound. Very smooth but at the same time it doesn;t seem to color the sound a whole lot. It is a tad on the warm side.