Replace my CJ PV14L preamp?????

pearsall001
pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
edited April 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
Man, I hate this friggin hobby!:D As soon as you nail down a magically sounding system, you'd think one be be happy. Well, yes & no. Here's the deal, ever since I acquired my Van Alstine gear (OmegaStar 440EX amp & Ultra DAC) I was a very happy camper. Until I talked to Frank about a couple of things. I was thinking about adding another 440EX amp along with his phase inverter for bi-amping my AAD 2001 monitors. He was a bit hesitant about going in that direction. He politely said that to raise the bar even further musically he strongly suggests that I replace the CJ tube preamp with his T8 tube preamp. I take it system synergy is in play here. I love the sound & the convenience of the CJ. I'm really torn here if I should give his T8 a workout in my sysyem. Should I leave well enough alone or go for it.:confused:
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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Comments

  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2007
    Get rid of that CJ crap.

    Seriously, you should try it.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited April 2007
    What did you expect him to recommend....a Sony? I would keep the CJ.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited April 2007
    Don't mess with success.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited April 2007
    You know already that you won't be satisfied until you try....right?

    Does he offer a return policy? Maybe you could try it out and if it doesn't give you what you want, you can return it?
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
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    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited April 2007
    Always try but beware on wanting to buy.

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited April 2007
    Yeah, color me leary....that CJ is a NICE pre.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited April 2007
    keep the Cj.....or let me test drive it while you test drive Franks.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited April 2007
    If you want to do some tweaking, do some tube rolling to the CJ before making any decisions.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited April 2007
    candyliquor35m wrote: »
    If you want to do some tweaking, do some tube rolling to the CJ before making any decisions.

    The CJ PV14L that I have is the later version & comes stock with Mullard 8080 tubes. I asked around before about tube rolling (never did it before) & the feedback I got was to leave the Mullard's alone. They really are sweet sounding. However, I'm all ears for any suggestions you guys/gals have for me to play around with. I know zilch about tubes. I'm game!;)
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited April 2007
    tonyb wrote: »
    keep the Cj.....or let me test drive it while you test drive Franks.

    Man, you'll stop at nothing to get your hands on my CJ!:D If I do give Frank's T8 a whirl & I really like it, do you call dibs on the CJ!!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited April 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    The CJ PV14L that I have is the later version & comes stock with Mullard 8080 tubes. I asked around before about tube rolling (never did it before) & the feedback I got was to leave the Mullard's alone.

    Yep I just read that those are the best tubes for your CJ. Maybe it's time to try vinyl if you haven't already done that. I'm becoming a vinyl junkie just like Joe and so far vinyl is sounding pretty darn good on a ss system. I can't imagine how good it would sound with tubes.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited April 2007
    candyliquor35m wrote: »
    Yep I just read that those are the best tubes for your CJ. Maybe it's time to try vinyl if you haven't already done that. I'm becoming a vinyl junkie just like Joe and so far vinyl is sounding pretty darn good on a ss system. I can't imagine how good it would sound with tubes.

    I've heard Joe's vinyl rig a few times & it sounds absolutely sweet as pie. The only drawbacks keeping me from getting involved w/ vinyl is the initial expense & also the fact that I don't have any albums. It would be a financial nightmare to get involved now.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited April 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Here's the deal, ever since I acquired my Van Alstine gear (OmegaStar 440EX amp & Ultra DAC) I was a very happy camper. Until I talked to Frank about a couple of things...

    Need you say more?, keep the CJ
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited April 2007
    :eek: :D
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited April 2007
    Midnite Mick wrote: »
    :eek: :D


    That's the best you got!!!!:rolleyes:
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited April 2007
    Yeah. I just didn't want to bring up how you were so content and it didn't last long. It would seem like I was giving you the gears and just didn't want to come off that way....oops;) :p:D

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited April 2007
    Midnite Mick wrote: »
    Yeah. I just didn't want to bring up how you were so content and it didn't last long. It would seem like I was giving you the gears and just didn't want to come off that way....oops;) :p:D

    Mike

    Nah, you wouldn't hurt my feelings. I still am content, but the wheels of improvement are always turning. I was just throwing this out there for some feedback. Chances are I won't be tempted enough to try Frank's T8. I just like the CJ too much. But then again!!! LOL:o
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2007
    Pear --

    Are you the same guy who had some doubts about how good Frank's DAC would be with any transport? So far, he's steered you in the right direction. The least you could do is demo the preamp. I dare ya. You can't lose, buddy.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited April 2007
    Early B. wrote: »
    Pear --

    Are you the same guy who had some doubts about how good Frank's DAC would be with any transport? So far, he's steered you in the right direction. The least you could do is demo the preamp. I dare ya. You can't lose, buddy.


    Good point Early. I might just have to mull this one over a bit. So far all of Frank's recommendations have been right on the money.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • fredv
    fredv Posts: 923
    edited April 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Good point Early. I might just have to mull this one over a bit. So far all of Frank's recommendations have been right on the money.
    Should it be right on your money :D
    Quite frankly, since the upgrade bug bites, you are going to itch until you try
    and find out the answer yourself. There is a 30 days AVA satisfaction guarantee, what else can you lose ;)

    -fredv-
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