Thinking about upgrade- seeking thoughts on “best” or “favorite” Conrad Johnson Amplifier


A couple years ago I upgraded my preamp to a Conrad Johnson ET7, which I then had CJ upgrade to the ET7 series 2. (Actually more of a trade up than a modification/upgrade).  I have been very happy with the decision.  I am running the ET7 into a primaluna HP dialogue premium amp (4x EL34 per channel or 80wpc) driving Maggies.  I have been thinking of replacing the Primaluna with a CJ amp. But I don’t know which ones I should consider, new or used.  And I do see CJ amps across the used market with regularity.

so I am seeking thought/opinions on what CJ amps I should consider, or which to avoid.  The ARTs are out of my price range, but I am open to any others up o around 10k.  I have been partial to EL34 tubes and I owned an MV45 many years ago, but I am open other tubes.  While am thinking of a full tube amp, I know CJ has made ET-series hybrids, which I would consider, as I once owned Counterpoint hybrids. And I have space for mono blocks or single chassis. Music tastes are mostly acoustic rock/jazz/blues and female vocals:  love warmth and big deep soundstage, with very little interest in bass.
Should I consider the current “classic” series amp, perhaps one of the premiers or the hybrid or? And what should steer clear of?

and any experience driving Maggies would be appreciated.

and please don’t derail the post by recommending other brands: stick to Conrad Johnson for now. Other brands are a conversation for another time.
meiatflask
@jjss49@jjss49 
Yes, treat your ears and give the new amps a listen. Of the ones you heard, the Premier 140 was wonderful but I found it was preamp and cable selective. I actually owned one for about 2 years. 
@cellorover

thanks - i will likely try one again down the road...

three times in the past I tried (cav 50, prem 11a xs, prem 140)... all were disappointments in terms of slam, impact and control, while their highs and mids were lovely... drove me towards vtl and audio research...
Correction.
The MF 2550SE and 2275SE are still relatively new, so I would not hesitate to buy one.

sorry for the autocorrect
jjsr49, you need to hear the current CJ amps, they are not what you are describing. Even their CAV45S2 has great bass control. The new CJ amps are very neutral, detailed, musical, etc. The reviews are accurate.

meiatflask, Maggies need power. The CJ Classic 120 SE is one choice and you can decide which tubes you want to have it set up for. But the CJ MF 2550SE or MF2275SE would be a great match for you speakers and preamp, as would a Premier 350. Since CJ is not making SS amps any longer, you would need to look used. The MF 2550 and 2275 amps are real actively new so I would not hesitate to buy one. The PremIer 350 could use a check up but again nothing too much to worry about. The older CJ SS amps will need a fair amount of upgrading. Probably not the best option. 

If you want an alternative look at Herron Audio.

Good luck.

My favorite c-j amps have been ss. I bet the Premiere 350 SA would work nicely with your Maggie’s.
Always liked the Premier 12. I imagine that the Premier 140 would also be good. Both use 6550s, though.
I think you get most of the C-J goodness with the C-J pre-amp. You didn't say what model of Maggies you have but with 80 watts of tube power, you would need a lot more power to make a big jump and 120 or more watts of tube power would be a lot of heat to deal with. If your Prima Luna has enough power for you, I had good luck changing to Gold Lyon KT88 tubes in my Prima Luna. That gave me an extended top end and a bit more detail. Not sure if I would recommend a C-J CL120SE because your best bet with most Maggies would be a big solid state amp IMHO.  
it has been a few years but i have always found cj amps - even their higher ones - to be relatively soft and uncontrolled in the bass region compared to audio research and even primaluna power amps

otoh i love cj preamps/linestages