2. amps-preamps
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Kondo, Zanden, CJ, Ref 5? Pre w/ Pure Tonal Color?

Hi A'Goners! Happy New Year! I am looking for a no-holds barred (second-hand) preamp that can (at least) maintain the transparency, detail, speed of my CJ ACT 2 but really add dramatically more tonal color, purity, harmonic richness.

My system:

Oppo BDP-83 (Upgrade Company modd'd)
Zanden 5000 Signature DAC
CJ ACT 2 Pre (Series 1)
Gryphon Antileon
Wilson X-1/Grand Slamms
Velodyne DD-18 (in parallel...from 35hz downward)
Transp Ref IC/SC
PAD Dominus/Ann Contego & Sablon Audio PCs
Transp Ref Power Conditioner
Nordost QX4

For background, i used to own SF Strads, and have owned Guarneris and CJ equipment for years...but i recently upgraded to the one speaker i have found in 25 years which i preferred. The Wilson X-1 Grand slamms...which far surpasses the Strads in soundstage, dynamics, detail retrieval and rhythm...as well as bass. And I have found it can be intensely musical...when set up right. (super-sensitive to set up.)

With the Wilson's in, my system today is as musical now as it was with the Strads...but i find with the immense increase in detail, soundstage, bass, rhythm, spaciousness, etc...i feel like if i could find a way to add some additional tonal color to the sound...it might go even one level further!!! (As always...a never-ending pursuit!)

i know many feel Pres should be straight wire and gain. in my case, i think the ACT 2 may be "losing" some color along the way. In particular, i think that my Zanden and Gryphon are quite warm with good tonal purity...and i have read that the ACT 2 compared to some well-regarded Pre's is a little too neutral. (hence why the Series 2 came out quite quickly...within less than 24 months).

thus, i am thinking about changing the ACT 2. Here is my current shortlist...but i am truly open-minded:
- CJ ART 3
- CJ Act 2 (Series 2)
- Audio Note?
- ARC Ref 5

These would all be second-hand and therefore "do-able"

meanwhile, for the right deal, i would also look at:
- Wavac PRT-1
- ARC Ref Anniversary
- Kondo M-10

I MUST hear them for myself in my system...i always keep my own counsel. but it sometimes helps to get the benefit of other people;'s experiences to at least draft my "shortlist" of preamps. I have focused on tubes...but if SS gets you there, say so!

Thanks for any guidance!

Lloyd
lloydelee21
ramy
141 posts
 
to Lloyd,
yes the Einstein has the combination of both tonal richness,very musical and at the same time it does have relatively fast bass. With a good power cord and using the Zanden signature DAC as input the sound is very rich.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Have you ever thought about replacing your Gryphon amp instead of CJ preamp ?

IMO if you are looking to add texture without loosing transparency, you should rather consider changing your Antileon to Lamm ML2.1 (or the new ML2.2) and keeping your CJ pre.

I have heard Gryphon Antileon in several systems, and would never describe the amp as one having 'tonal color, purity, harmonic richness'. Quite on the contrary.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Hi Lloyd, I look upon your system with mixed feelings. The Zanden DAC is a high performer. The Oppo is, well, hifi. You aren't using it for a transport are you? I would strongly suggest you get a 47 Lab Flatfish with it's Dumpty power supply. You can do better with your cables for a lot less money too.

Try the H2O Fire. It has received stellar compliments. I use it in my system. nothing else will do.
lloydelee21 OP
1,202 posts
 
Sibelius, Thank you! i have started to read the reviews with great interest. Sounds very interesting.

Swampwalker...i will invesetigate. I have come across the name and heard good things.

Ramy - thanks for that! that sounds interesting given its great reputation. I have seen one in the STates on sale as well.

Elberoth - thanks to you as well. the synergy between lamm and wilson is well documented...if i ever come across s/hand lamm in my part of the world, i will give it a shot if nothing else to learn about this legendary synergy.

Muralman1 - i hear you...i used to use a USD$50 Daewoo transport with my Zanden...so my Oppo is an upgrade!!! The reason is because i only spend money on something if i keep it 10 years...given the speed of transport/media technology, i have bought a DAC and spent money on transports only when they break. Once Server Technology improves enough, i will go that way.

As for cables, one might be surprised what i paid for my Transparent REf...cents on the dollar having spend 3-4 years picking up each cable one at a time at unique prices. I do like them and probably would not want to go thru the brain damage of having to switch them out with another set.

I will definitely listen to H20 if i can find them in this country...have not come across.

Thanks everyone!!! All so helpful....lots to read about, and to go listen to!!!!!
onemug
784 posts
 
Lloydelee21,

One thought about the CJ preamps, with the ART you can roll the 6922's, not much you can do with the ACT and their 6h30's.

I use the ACT 2.2 in one of my systems and love it but I also have the ART and it's been fun rolling the tubes. JJ's had a nice flavor but they didn't last very long. About a month ago I got a set of the Genalex Gold Lions, the stock EH's from CJ work nice in this circuit too. I haven't met a 6922 I don't like. Point is, I can change the flavor to a little more or less of ? depending on my taste.

I'm very happy with the ART but the ACT isn't going anywhere either. The ACT has it's own character and I like it but you can't change it much. Good luck.
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