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VTL 5.5 VS CJ Premier 17

I have CJ electronics in my system comprising a PV-14 LS2 preamp and a 2500A power amp. I recently tried a VTL TL 5.5 preamp and thought it provided a lot more dynamics, more precise soundstage and air around the instruments. Although the highs of the VTL were a little more extended than my PV-14, I thought both had similar signatures with a sweet overall presentation.Which I like.

I haven't tried a Premier 17 ls or even a CT6 in my system and live away from CJ dealers. The VTL 5.5 has a lower MSRP than both upgrades I could make with CJ. Should I grab the VTL without looking back or should I go for a Premier 17 or CT6 and grab one without giving it a listen ?
andr
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
I have tried a Calypso also (two of my friends have them) and tube rolling (except the latest tubes Jim has sound great) is a requirement. Plus one of my friends had your CJ 2500A amp (with a transformer humm that CJ would fix saying they all do that...he sold it) as good as that amp is I bet the Calypso was showing you how digital you digital front end is....

What is your front end? As you start to get to these truely great preamps they also reveal all the flaws in a system instead of masking them in syrup.

Like you already found out system synergy is key, I had a huge ground humm that I couldn't cure with the Calypso in my system but it worked perfectly at my friends house or I would own it.. bargain component.

The LS16mkII is another great preamp if you need single ended only.
pops
2,278 posts
 
Andr the premier 14 is FAR from syrupy sounding, it is the closest thing CJ got to solid state sounding prior to the original LS17. It will melt your ears if the recording or an upstream component demands it. OHO it improved dramatically on the warm sounding CJ pre's prior to it, but managed to keep that luscious CJ midrange and improve on extension and air. I'm not trying to change your mind, VTL 5.5 is very nice, I just prefer CJ preamps and the premier 14 in particular. Plus, I don't change equipment very often, I've had Thiel 3.6 for 10 years and the premier 14 for about 9 years...thats a lifetime in audiophile years!
andr OP
109 posts
 
Thanks for all your answers.
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