conrad johnson GAT vs ACT 2 series 2

Thanks, Onemug. Ditto. FWIW, I know the GHs well...and i tell you, those are one seriously memorable speaker. My favorite of all the SF speakers i have heard/owned. (i have not heard Aidas or the Sonus Faber/Fenice)...but i have heard nearly all others. There is something magic about those GHs. Enjoy.

Hi Rlw3,

I owned ACT 2 and upgraded to GAT about a year ago. i have not heard ACT 2 s2, but have owned CJ for well over a dozen years straight so have some reasonable familiarity with the sound, and also nearly upgraded to s2...so spoke with many people.

Compared with ACT2:
- one enormous difference is treble...the ACT 2 actually sounds hard and strident in comparison. i heard it when i first bought aCT2...but quickly adjusted. But i NEVER realized how hard it would be in comparison to GAT which is 25-30% more detailed, but 100% more natural, fulsome and yet clear.

- Noise floor is next...supremely quiet. I have 95db speakers and not a whisper when the unit is at a deafening 60 with no signal coming thru. Ear within 7 inches of tweeter.

- This gives a more transparent sense of space, detail...but it also allows the natural CJ tonal beauty to come thru without sounding 'laden' with golden hue...this is in my experience a true first for CJ at this extreme level of performance. Incredibly clear but still with far more natural CJ beauty than ACT2.

- Next, the overall balance of the unit is better in terms of even delivery across spectrum. 20% better?

- Extension in treble is better, and bass (very good in ACT2) is probably 15% lower with definition

- Words of advice: power cables matters less here than on other products, and u will need to seriously step up to improve on the stock cable. i do use PAD Dominus. EAT Tube dampers are a MUST...the stock Electroharmonix can get noise...i use Amperex 6922 PQ US White label. Finally, try using HRS nimbus couplers/damper...also big improvement. This a tremendous unit outta the box...these are just improvements for your consideration.

my two cents. ask if any other questions. good luck.

I think Jeff Dorgay? has a review coming out soon. Jonathan Valin also reviewed...available on AVguide.com I dont think JV compared with aCT 2..but i bet Jeff will since he had ACT 2 as his reference for a number of years. FWIW, i have spoken with him about my observations above. You'll see his own observations in the review which i will not share until he has published.

ACtually, Jeff Dorgay's review is out. download it at toneaudio.com

You will see his review is similar to the above.

Hi Rlw3,

You might also wish to try the HRS nimbus couplers and damping plate.

Hi Ray,

Check out the review from Jeff Dorgay, who apparently did not wish to upgrade to ART 3...but he did find the GAT more compelling as i understand, having spoken with him. GAT better than both it seems. (i have never heard the ART 3). I did not find ACT 2 as sensitive to HRS/without HRS as the GAT. I wonder if 6N30P tube is less microphonic than 6922? Cannot say.

Hi Onemug

Let us know if you hear it...i can see you are quite experienced with CJ! I have spoken with 3 people who know/liked/owned the ART 3, and all have moved across to the GAT. I know that does not mean you still wont be the 5% who prefers that ART as you say...and i respect that choice entirely!

But if you do hear it, would appreciate to get your thoughts, as i have owned ACT 2, but never heard ART 3. Thanks.

Thanks Onemug...good to know and will keep that in mind if i ever get to hear ARTs.

Rlw3 - what other CD players have you heard besides the Simaudio Supernova? Was interested in how they compare against others. have read good things about it. have you heard the 650D or 750D? thanks for any guidance.

thanks!

Hi Audiolui,

Totally agree with you. I would add, also having owned ACT 2, that the GAT's treble is another league entirely. i remember upon first bringing the ACT2 home (which i enjoyed immenseley) that the treble was stiff...i eventually forgot about it as i got used to the other beautiful elements of the ACT2.

Once the GAT came in, the treble of the ACT2 seemed downright chilly, not just stiff. Almost strident in comparison (almost). The GAT's treble to my ear is that beautiful, fluid, and yet far more nuanced, detailed and yes, way more extended.

Enjoy yours!

Congrats, Lotus. Enjoy!