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kalali 03-10-2017 02:07 PM

Which entry level preamp?
 
I'd like to try a tube CJ preamp for under <$1500 used. Which model is best? I've seen ET2, PV10BL come up for sale in this price range, may be even a Classic but not sure which one to get. Line stage is good enough and it'll be mated with a semi-vintage McIntosh MC2200 SS amp. Thanks in advance.

Forte 4A 03-11-2017 12:17 AM

Spearit Sound is having a moving sale. They have a Classic 2 open box for $1620. Excellent buy.

kalali 03-11-2017 09:55 AM

Thanks. I actually saw the models on their site. So you recommend newer Classic 2 over a slightly used ET2 or other older models?

Forte 4A 03-11-2017 08:38 PM

Hard to beat if you like the traditional CJ sound.:thumbsup:

jalanrolls 03-18-2017 12:57 AM

Would you be interested in a one owner PV9a that has been sitting since I bought a Mac c2300?

1KW 03-18-2017 07:10 AM

Buy a like new pre owned Mcintosh MX model, such as a MX120 . it is a terrific pre amp but because it is a home theater processor replaced by the MX122 it can be purchased very cheap.

Mikado463 03-18-2017 09:19 AM

My vote goes to the PV 14L series II, when they come up for sale they usually fall in the $1250 - 1500 price range. Many a CJ owner has felt this unit is the sweet spot with respect to performance to dollar ratio.

kalali 03-19-2017 03:18 PM

Thank you all folks. I see a couple of PV12AL models available for a reasonable price. The ET2 model I had my eyes on is no longer available. Out of curiosity, almost all of the CJ preamps seem to have a fairly high gain. Anyone having any matching issues using them with a non-CJ amps? My MC2200 has a selectable input voltage sensitivity between 0.775 mv and 2.5 volts so I suppose I could use the higher value is I go the CJ route.

Formerly YB-2 03-20-2017 09:59 AM

Check out Audio Mart. There are a number of CJ pre's available there. There was a 17LS in your ball park.

bgiliberti 03-21-2017 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kalali (Post 836125)
I'd like to try a tube CJ preamp for under <$1500 used. Which model is best? I've seen ET2, PV10BL come up for sale in this price range, may be even a Classic but not sure which one to get. Line stage is good enough and it'll be mated with a semi-vintage McIntosh MC2200 SS amp. Thanks in advance.

Classic SE yes, Classic non-Teflon no. The teflon caps provide a top to bottom coherence that the Classic needs. I would also recommend looking for the ClassicSE series one, which use two Mullard 8080s. The series 2 uses one 6922(?), a type that sounds dull to me.


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