CJ preamp upgrade suggestions

Mfoley3, warmest congratulations.

I run a similar system with CJ GAT, ART Monoblocks and the Diablo Utopia also.

Coincidently, I also use Stillpoint Mini Ultras under the GAT.

If you are looking for a more liquid and airy sound, consider using Telefunken E88CCs for the GAT. Provided you don't have a microphonics problem, I've also found removing the supplied tube damping rings to be helpful.

Hi Mfoley,

1. I've not tried other tubes besides the stock tubes in the GAT and the Telefunkens, but I've done a fair bit of tube rolling in my previous ET3SE. The Genalex Gold Lions are another good alternative, especially if you are looking for a denser and more midrange centric sound. I bought my Telefunkens from Parts Connexion.

2. I've not tried platforms, but many footers I tried actually made the GAT and ET3SE worse. The Stillpoints were one of the few that improved things without taking too much away. However, placement of the footers is critical. The best for my Stillpoints were 4 pieces, two behind and two in front. The front two are directly underneath where the tubes are, while the back two are slightly further in.

3. Both the GAT and ART respond well the power cords. The GAT uses an Acrolink Mexcel 9500 while the ART monoblocks use Acrolink 7N-4030 in my system. Another power cord that worked quite well with my Classic 60 SE which I previously owned is the AET SCR AC EVD. I appreciate that most of these cords are quite hard to find outside of Japan / Asia. Other cables which I thought worked quite well were AZ (which you have), and HiDiamond. I can't remember the exact model, but it was about USD 800. Siltech SPX-800 also sounded quite good.

Hi Mfoley,

The Telefunkens are NOS (not the current production by JJ).

Most ball bearing isolation devices I've heard bring good speed, focus and resolution to a system, but with a tendency to make the overall sound dry and a bit too analytical. The Stillpoints bring all the benefits to the table, but have a surprisingly liquid and smooth top end. However, placement is critical. It takes days of experimentation to find the exact location.

Although using just 3 makes it easier to balance, I found that using four Stillpoints to sound better. They are height adjustable so levelling them is possible.