CT6 or other recommendations.
 

May I ask - is the CT6 a well regarded tube pre?
I know nothing of CJ - other than it is a well regarded and respected manufacturer.

I am looking for a pre to add some richness to an active system which tends to the clinical.

Thank you

CT-6 Preamplifier
conrad-johnson CT6 Preamplifier Review By Rick Becker
AudiogoN Reviews: Conrad Johnson CT6 Tube preamp

Andy
Never listened to, but me seriously thought of buying one, before deciding on me for a CT5
Premier 17 or 16 would suit very also, 16 being the warmest ot the three but difficult to find because of the high demand....

The CT6 is a very good amp in the middle of the CJ line. I had it to for a short while. No teflon caps but the sound is very transparent and fluid. I really liked it. It is way better than older CJ designs such as the PV-12.

You can't go wrong with the CT6.

Ron, any thoughts on how it compared to the Premier 17?

The Premier 17 always seems to be in high demand, too...there were two recently on the 'Gon, and they both sold in a few days, and I just noted the lone 17 that is presently listed just sold. Says a lot for these preamps; must be because they are baby ARTs! ;)

Unfortunately I have not heard the Premier 17. My experience is that CJ preamp have improved with each generation although based on your experience with the CT5 and P17 that might not always be what everyone thinks.

I think I'll dip my toe in the water with a ET3 . Any thoughts?

The ET3 is a great preamp. Try to stretch for the SE version if budget permits. Also if you need a phono stage get the version with a phono stage as the one in the ET3 will be hard to surpass.

Thanks. I am digital only these days after a sojourn into vinyl that was horribly addictive and expensive.

I have in mind a second hand unit on Audiogon which is just the plain vanilla ET3. I figure I can see if I like the CJ signature without too much downside.

Thanks for your help.

Hi Andy,

I think you can always get an upgrade from ET3 to the SE version at any time.

Good Luck