2. amps-preamps
  3. 1313869701

Need advice on CJ preamps

I currently have a conrad-johnson classic SE preamp. I am very happy with the sound. However, the lack of remote is a major problem for me. I have no other experience with CJ preamps so I would appreciate some advice from people with more ownership experience.

I want to upgrade to a CJ preamp that has a remote. I can go as high as $2400 used. I'm looking for basically the same rich sound this clasic SE preamp has but with a remote. If I could pay to just add remote capability to this preamp I would gladly do it, but that is not possible so I must upgrade. Which CJ preamp?

One other option is to save up for a new ET3 SE, but it's currently out of my price range.

Thanks for any advice! : )
jaxwired
sabocat59
98 posts
 
I'm currently saving my pennies to have the Sound Dezign mods done on the line stage of my PV-15 pre amp -- 12AU7 tubes, rewired circuitry, and teflon caps. The PV-15 uses 2 6922 tubes.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
I had a Premier 14 and a 17LS2. The clicking never bothered me. Very nice preamp and WAY better than the 14. But I went from the 17LS2 to an Aesthetix Calypso and like it better in every way, including the flexibility of the remote.
pops
2,275 posts
 
I have owned a premier 14 for about 10 years and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I use mullard and hitachi NOS tubes - mix and match.

Don't know what amp you use unless I missed it above, CJ preamps typically have a high output impedance which might require careful matching with some amps.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Pops, all I can say is that you'd LOVE a 17LS2 :-)

The main reason I ditched mine is that it had no polarity switch and I have very
polarity-sensitive speakers. I just got tired of switching speaker cables all the
time. But then I came to realize that the Calypso had a lot more to offer than
polarity-switching.

EDIT: I went through the same tube-rolling as you did on the 14 and came to
the same conclusions. Still have a sackful of used 6GK5s if you want them.
pops
2,275 posts
 
Nice Dopogue, I remember our conversations about the premier 14. I would love a 17LS2! I know Asthetics make nice preamps, that would be my next logical move in my mind - I mean preamp. I don't change components that often and the CJ is my oldest component - so you know what that means!

My amps input impedance are 10K which has always moved my interest away from CJ since they typically have a higher output impedance.
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