2. amps-preamps
  3. 1338824117

Amp recommendation for CJ ET3 preamp

Hi, I need an amplifier recommendation please. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Current setup--

Preamp: Conrad-Johnson ET3
Speakers: Acoustic Zen Adagios

In a perfect world, I would love to find a ss amp for under $3,000 to match my system. I'm thinking solid state because my concern is that a tube amp paired with the tube ET3 preamp would be too "sweet." (Too much of a good thing). Someone can talk me out of that idea if they think I am wrong.

I understand that I'm going about this process a little backwards and probably should have purchases the preamp last but what can I say? I'm not the most rational person!
vjnavarra

Showing 2 responses by unsound

unsound
7,357 posts
 
I'd suggest having your speakers being the deciding factor in your choice of amplification.
unsound
7,357 posts
 
I don't know your speakers well enough to make a recommendation. As far as I can tell, your speakers can probably work well with either ss or moderate to fairly high powered tube amps, but I honestly can't make a recommendation.
As far as Class D amps and tube pres go, I'd suggest you pay attention to the input impedance of the Class D amps you might consider. Many, but not all, have a fairly low input impedance, something that doesn't usually bode well for many high impedance output tube pres.
Another thing to consider is the sensitivity of the amp, some sensitive amps can have the volume control usability compromised by the high output of some tube pres.
With all that said, I still stand by my previous post, your speakers should influence your amp choice the most.
More to discover