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Doge 8 and Conrad Johnson ET-3

Has anyone heard both of these units at one time or another. How would you compare/contrast them, and describe their sound. From what I've read, it sounds as if the Doge would be more neutral and less warm than the CJ, with the CJ being a little more on the warm/lush side of things. I've heard the CJ and liked the warmth that I heard. Any truth to my thinking?
hawk28
dunenthem
7 posts
 
So Rower, are telling me that even at 2.5mv,the phono stage would be too noisy? That would be a deal breaker for me.. I just picked up a used Mod LS-100 W/ PHONO which I was going to compare side by side with the Doge.Now I;m not so sure... What does s it cost to evaluate one, $250?
rower30
211 posts
 
Well, if you use the "MC" setting, you won't be happy with the background noise. It's terrible. The MM setting isn't so bad. The trial shipping (about eighty bucks) and a ~10% restocking fee, or another 200 bucks, so $250 to $300 is about right (depends on where you live on shipping).
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,638 posts
 
Tubed phono stages need tubes selected for being especially quiet. Upscale Audio calls them platinum grade, others call them phono grade. Of course there's no guarantee that they will stay quiet throughout their lives. Another one of the joys of being an audiophile.
rower30
211 posts
 
Careful, the Doge 8 Clarity unit has a poor MC S/N ratio...nothing tubes will change a lot. It will always be noisy. The HISS is clearly audible at all volumes I'd listen to. But, if you must...try one. I'd consider this unit WITH an external head-amp, only.
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,535 posts
 
I have spent some time w/ the CJ ET3 mated w/ the CJ classic sixty. A Prima Luna cd player was the source. B&W 802D were the speakers. Audioquest cabling/cords.

I was surprised that the classic sixty really drove those B&W speakers! It is such a small amp, I never would have guessed...

The ET3 performed flawlessly, IMO. A very satisfying musical experience.
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