New tube preamp

Tomlhuffman,

I agree with our opinion of the Parasound Jc2. I found it to be very over rated. Frankly, it bored me to tears. 

Tweak1,

When you you refer to the Machine Dynamica super stiff springs, I’m not familiar but I’m guessing that they are some kind of isolation device/footer than goes under the preamp. I tried the Critical Mass Systems Center Stage series 2 feet under the BHK Signature preamp (they recommend 4 not 3) and couldn’t believe the improvement they made. It’s a very strange product. You place them under the component like any other foot but the sound quality gets WORSE, they even warn you about this in the instructions. Be patient though, after they have “settled in” which takes anywhere from 5 to 14 days you will simply not believe your ears. Everything gets better! The improvement is not subtle. It sucks because they are stupid expensive but once you’ve heard them there’s no going back, you’ll want to put them under every component. 

Scot

If you are looking for a great tube pre..try DHT tubes...fantastic.  Have a look at my Allnic L-5000 DHT on Audiogon now..thx  G

Home demo’ed the LTA and was not impressed. Did not live up to the hype. Different, but not a step up from the solid state preamp section on my Naim DAC/pre/headphone amp.  Ended up with a demo ET-7 Conrad Johnson instead. 

Be sure to listen in your home system and don’t  get sold on the hype. 

Meiatflask,

I’ve been dying to listen to the CJ and especially the Et7 but only one CJ dealer in my area and he doesn’t have one on the floor to listen to. Is yours the series 1 or series 2? Also, if I’m not mistaken I think the retail price on the new et7 series 2 is up to 13k! What did you have before you bought the et7? I heard an et5 years ago and was impressed. I read somewhere that the head of their service department bought the company from the original owners, it looks like he’s making some changes and bringing out some new products which was needed. You rarely see one of their products being reviewed.  Thanks.

Scot

Hey scothurwitz,   you want to get a really great sounding tube preamp ? check out the ( Rogue Audio RP-7 Preamplifier  )  It's next on my list.