Air Tight ATM-3, ATM-1 or Thalmann modded CJ Premier Fives?


Would love opinions as i have narrowed a replacement amp search down to these three amps. i will be replacing a Shindo Montrachet that I love, but discovered after I bought it that it is really not made to drive speakers like Quad esl-63s, even though I biamp. Gotta keep the Quads!

I am a "musicality" listener... I am not looking for ultimate neutrality is that means a clear, thin midrange and too much treble balance. I like a rich, organic, full midrange, great timbre/texture, zero edge or brightness, and as much resolution as possible without violating the first three requirements. All things equal Esl-63s like power or at least big trannies to.bring out their macro dynamics. I liisten to 50% acoustic jazz and blues, 30% classical and 20% rock. System is sota star sapphire, ear 834p, Thor TA-1000 pre, quad esl-63 rebuilt by electrostatic solutions (awesome company, product and guy by the way), and vandersteen 2wq subs w passive first order crossovers. digital uses audio note 3.1 sig dac.

The cj premier fives have the Thalman teflon cap upgrade... i just dont know what to expect sonically from them because I never head stock fives but i like the old cj sound pretty well, but quads like some power so they could be interesting. i really want to stick w el-34 tubes, no 6550 amps. I always lusted after Air Tight.

Thanks in advance for thoughts on sonic comparisons between these three amps!

montaldo

Showing 4 responses by montaldo

Thanks jafant. is you comment cautionary or are you saying it deserves audition because it will be amazing? i dont have the opportunity to audition before purchase. so i am rolling the dice that teflon will provide more resolution and extension without making the mids too "clean" and throw off the magically delicious tonal balance. Any thoughts on what teflon will and wont do to the tonal balance and tube magic? i am not seeking the modern cj sound.

Jafant, my system is a Sota star sapphire, ear 834p, Thor TA-1000 pre, quad esl-63 rebuilt by electrostatic solutions, and vandersteen 2wq subs w passive first order crossovers. digital uses audio note 3.1 sig dac.

Premier fives were made from 1981-1985 i believe. At  this point i think i might like a restored pair stock instead of the teflon cap thing. i dont like the clean and clear neutrality thing.

Jond: yeah the quads are too good, to my ears. the Shindo is honestly the best amp i have owned, following nice amps like vtl mb-185 sigs, cary 805, etc. vtls were fantastic until i had to buy new tubes and kevin deal broke the news that you really cant get thr st. petersburg 6550 like they used to make. i bailed on 6550s for good. loved the 805s but they seemed dead on top even to my ears but i think single ended w quads creates issues so i dont blame the wonderful 805s. but oh that Shindo! pure music.
Decided try the premier fives... should be interesting and I will try to.report back
I tried the Premier Fives and liked the sound quite a bit. Big, dynamic, smooth. However they had some mechanical issue and the seller took them back. Immediately after I found a pair of Lamm M1.1 monoblocks for sale and jumped at them. I have not owned anything but all-tube amps for 20 years, but I have read the Lamms are very musical hybrids. I should have them by late next week. Onward...

Thanks for everyone's input!