I presntly own 5's in triode version..used to own 12's (ultralinear) a couple of amps back but never compared side by side..I can't say which one is better for certain it may come down to your system..I love both these amps the 12's are warm, rich, lush and the 5's even more so..the 5's are effortless, even in triode mode they have plenty of power for my cls..never heard the 8xs wonder how they stack up?
CJ Premier 5's - Opinions?
I am beginning to shop aroud for "new" monoblock tubed amps after some recent problems with my current (whicj I won't name out of courtesy, depsite pretty crappy support form the designer) CJ amps are highly recommended for my Sonus Faber speakers, SO I'm considering CJ Premier 12's. However, I do recall some enthusiastic discussion on Audiogon a while back on the Premier 5's,particularly in the XS Triode incarnation. Alas, I can't pull up the old threads.Since the 5's can be had at a better price than the Premier 12's. I would appreciate any thoughts/comparisons between the two, and any information you might have on the XS triode conversion (cost, where to get it done) and any other recommended mods on the 5's