CJ sound

Czbbcl,

I never would have said those things about the CJ pre-amps had I not heard, and now own, the Messenger preamp. It is a whole other world than the CJ.

As I said though I think CJ makes great stuff. Not the best on the market for the price but still great stuff.

I have owned the CJ Premier 17ls and a custom Art II. CJ's preamps have a laid back, very dark sound. You get a beautiful musical picture but they lack that sparkle of a live performance. This is the reason I got rid of mine and got the Messenger Preamp.

Tube rolling will help a little. I recommend the E1 Elites if you can find them. Call Elliot Midwood with Acoustic Image and see if he has any left. 818 762 1501. Tell him Justin told you to call.

Guys, let me clarify something. The 17ls was my first, true, high end preamp. I loved it and I still think it is a good preamp. I think the Art II was even better. In fact when I a/b'ed it with the Act 2 it the Art blew it away.

However, CJ preamps have a sound to them which in my opinion, and that of others in the business, is a little dark, that is a little lacking in that high end sparkle. If you ever get the opportunity to hear or own the Messenger preamp you will know what I mean.

Having said all of that would I recommend the 17ls? You bet. It's a great preamp for it's price.