Audio Research or Conrad Johnson Tube Pre-Amp???

Rbwinterlink,

1. Either will work well. You can't have someone else tell you what you will like best.

2. The 6922s are a fantastic tube to roll. You may want to go with a brand that is more sweet or more neutral. We have no way of knowing what you will want.

3. At 2 hrs a day, probably 5 to 10 yrs.

4. No, but don't turn it on and off several times a day. On when you want it on and off when you are done for the day. Someone will tell you to leave in on 24/7. Try it and see if does vs how it sounds after being on for 1 hr. Doing the math, 2 hrs a day = 730 hrs a yr. 24/7 = 8760 hrs a yr. Tubes don't last forever.

Other info: I don't think you can go wrong with either brand. Just get the nicest one you can and live with it.
Some day in the future you will get a chance to demo the other brand and if you like it better, make the change.

For the record, I own the CJ ART series 2 and the ACT 2 series 2, different, but love them both. I was surprised at Colloms ratings of the CJ's. He clearly favors the 6h30 sound over the 6922, rating the CT-5 way above the ART. That's his opinion, value it or not.

Keep in mind, when you ask what is the best "whatever", you're asking for opinions and you will end up with a poll. If 90% felt "a" was better than "b", that would be pretty convincing but you might be in the 10% group that prefer "b". Your system fits "your" ears/taste.

Onemug

Are you going to upgrade the ART to series 3, or happy where you are at now?. me I am debating as the upgrade is a considerable sum and don't want to loose the magic.

I believe the ACT2 series 2 is a lot better than the original. Even Lew from cj told me they had made a mistake with the original ACT2 in it being too lean, hence the series2 so quickly after the original.

yes Collums review of the ACT2/CT5 being so far ahead of the ART certainly was puzzling. that is why, if possible always try to listen to a piece before comitting. replying on lists is very dangerous.

cheers

Downunder,

I am happy where I am now BUT am thinking ahead about the series 3 upgrade. I know what you mean by "magic", hard to describe but you know it when you hear it. Would I lose any of it, who knows and it's a $12000 gamble. For now, the ACT 2.2 has its own magic so I can go with the mood.

Onemug

The couple of folks I have spoken to have all said the upgrade truely is an upgrade with no downside, however as you said it is an expensive upgrade which you cannot go back.
I am like you at the moment and swap with my Mac pre amp if the mood feels like it.

cheers

IMHO, you shouldn't try and pick audio components on other folks recommendations. Are we going to listen for you too? You need to use your own ears, and there is simply no substitute for that. If you chose something that is recommended to you on this forum, you will be choosing what someone else likes, with his/her other components, in his/her room. As you can see already, there is no universal concensus here. So make your own - go visit some local audio dealers and LISTEN! Doing it any other way is just a crap shoot.