For me, I would try a solid state amp for your Maggies.
“Best” or rather “Favorite” Conrad Johnson power amp?
A couple years ago, I purchased a demo Conrad Johnson ET7- Series 1 preamp, which I later upgraded to the series 2. Wow. A real game changer from the solid state Naim I had been using. The rest of my system: LRS Maggies and a Primaluna dialogue premium HP (~80wpc) power amp. (The recent thread: can I use a tube amp to drive my Maggies inspired this post, which has been in the back of my mind for some time). I don’t have any issues with the Primaluna, but have thought that perhaps I would like to try a different amp. Or better stated, I have the upgrade bug. Again.
I am open to mono blocks or single chassis. While I like EL34s, I am open to other tubes. And might consider tube/ss hybrids. And I am open to recent models new or used, I am also happy to consider “late models”as I know CJ can update/upgrade many products. But I am probably not interested in 1980s vintage stuff. And my budget is also open. If the cost is only $2-4k I could act soon, if $10k+, then it would take a bit longer. As I am expecting the options to be primarily used, I can be patient to find the right amp, as the Primaluna sounds good to me right now.
And while I understand that CJ is most known for their preamps, and that other brands might be better for power amps, at this point, I would like to test drive a CJ amp first. Then perhaps I’ll consider other brands.
I am open to mono blocks or single chassis. While I like EL34s, I am open to other tubes. And might consider tube/ss hybrids. And I am open to recent models new or used, I am also happy to consider “late models”as I know CJ can update/upgrade many products. But I am probably not interested in 1980s vintage stuff. And my budget is also open. If the cost is only $2-4k I could act soon, if $10k+, then it would take a bit longer. As I am expecting the options to be primarily used, I can be patient to find the right amp, as the Primaluna sounds good to me right now.
And while I understand that CJ is most known for their preamps, and that other brands might be better for power amps, at this point, I would like to test drive a CJ amp first. Then perhaps I’ll consider other brands.
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