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Seeking Suggestions on Preamp Upgrade (CJ, Aesthetix, EAR)

I have about $5,000 budget to upgrade a preamp.  I am using Luxman 550 integrated as a preamp currently, it sounds a bit too lean to me.  Rest of the system are Pass XA30.5, Dynaudio Contour 3.4, Marantz reference SACD.  I am thinking CJ CT5/ET5, CJ ACT2, Aesthetix Calypiso, EAR 868, or Zesto Leto.  Thank you very much!

davidhe19audio

Showing 2 responses by jperry

jperry
2,479 posts
 
I have an Aesthetix Calypso which has worked perfectly since I purchased it. 

That being said I do not think it would be a good sonic match with your Pass amplifier. You shoudl match it with a Pass preamp. I think Reno Audio has a trial program for Pass equipment.
jperry
2,479 posts
 
Make sure the impedance matches as suggested above by unsound, and weight your opinion about responses you receive toward those from users, as opposed to those that have not owned or used the equipment they are recommending or disparaging. 

My general opinion is that if I have not heard it I can't have a valid opinion on how it sounds.
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