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Pros/Cons of moving from CJ PV 10 to SS?

I currently have a CJ PV10 for my preamp. I’m considering replacing it with a solid state preamp around $2000. What are the pros and cons of such a move?

Reasons for the move:
The CJ doesn’t have much in the way of resolution.
I will get a high pitched whine after its been on for several hours. Its done this with all the tubes I’ve tried.

Current set up:

Rotel cd player with PS Audio Dac, w/level three Cullen mods.
Amp: Wyred ST 500 (Replaced aging PS Audio 240 watt mono blocks. The Wyred sounds better).
Speakers: Energy 22.3. This was one step down from the Veritas series. It’s a bit forward sounding. I expect to replace it with either Dynaudio Focus 22.3’s or Vandersteen 3A Signatures.

Music: Almost anything acoustic, 60’s rock.
oldnslow
usblues
1,217 posts
 
With your description of preamp,it seems to have a problem.Had no such symptoms with mine.There's an Airtight ATC1 that finished at auction with buyer unable to proceed.Its available for 1455$.Great history and new tubes.It was 6K 5 years ago.That would be a winner.Other than that lots of great pre's here for 2K.Good luck,your going to be happy real soon with what you have,Bob
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Pro you will likely end up with a cleaner sonic going SS. You will almost certainly eliminate the high pitched sound, but as mentioned that is suggestive of a physical problem with your pre that should not exist. You may want to get it fixed. The rest of your system sounds fine and with 6 Moon's little shoot out comparing two First Watt amps with the M designed to have a wqarm sound, the Cullen Wyred was found to be even warmer. Yes look it up! I would be careful going overboard with Vandy's. So its a pro for a more middle of the spectrum synergy if you use a crisp SS pre, with the rest a little toasty.
The con, and it's a big one, is the potential loss of stage, air and halography, which is what I always found was the great beauty of tubes. I would suggest to fully appreciate this phenomena try an all tube system with pre and power tube amps. It's quite a revelation. Too me it was, anyway.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
I would strongly suggest you at least contact RHB Dezigns who modifies cj and other hi-end equipment. They are real pros. and design their own circuits to maximize the original preamp. They modified my cj PV-12L and the openness and smoothness is amazing. I have met Bob Backert. He is a true gentleman and committed to making the most of your gear.

http://www.rhbsounddezign.com/
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
why through the baby out with the bathwater would suggest you get a used ARC 100.2 that has a nice 100 k input imp and your existing CJ will fly with the Vandersteen 3A sigs.
and you will be hooked without wondering about your Music
Cheers Johnnyr
lrsky
1,118 posts
 
First of all CJ has good resolution under normal operating conditions. The unit you've described has problems. Call conrad johnson and ask for service help--they're the good guys in audio. They will guide you to the right solution, whether repair or replacement.
IMHO you WON'T get greater resolution with a solid state unit necessarily--certainly not the 'warmth' or musicality that the cj offers.
Good luck.
Larry
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