ET2 or ET3?

[ronenash]

I have had many cj preamps in my system and must say that there is a noticeable improvement with every new generation.
I think Lew also mentions this in his interview to TAS in their May/June issue.

[CDLehner]

Originally Posted by ronenash

Yes, based on my experience. Less cost in chassis design more in parts quality. The et3 also includes a more modern circuit design based on the GAT.

Rone, my only contention with that argument is I believe the msrp on the ET-2 was $3800; whereas the ET-3 is $2500. So the argument could be made that extra $1300 accounts for the fancy case...or lack thereof...and that both units use parts of the same relative value.

I created this thread, because I'm considering the ET-3 to replace my ET-2. My only concern is, sometimes...when C-J guys say it sounds "better", they mean more "tube-y". I'm not looking for extra warmth; in fact, I thought the ET-2 was plenty warm...but still with good detail of course; until a new DAC made me realize my old one was veiling the sound a bit (and that's the first time I've EVER used "like a veil was lifted", in reference to a new piece of gear...lol).

I'm REALLY happy with the sound of my system right now; I'm only considering the ET-3 for the tube-rolling flexibility. If it was "better" to boot, that would be icing on the cake, of course; but I'm hesitant to mess with a good thing.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by CDLehner

I'm REALLY happy with the sound of my system right now; I'm only considering the ET-3 for the tube-rolling flexibility. If it was "better" to boot, that would be icing on the cake, of course; but I'm hesitant to mess with a good thing.

I think that's great, CD. It's really nice to be there. I feel the same way about my system....

[ronenash]

I agree with PC. If you are happy with your system, why change?
I do not think the ET3 is more tubey based on my experience. But if you want even less tubey and more detailed and transparent sound the ET3SE is the one to choose.

[jimtranr]

While I don't mean to pile on, CD, count me in as a +1 on PC's and ronenash's "if you're happy with it" comments. Your posts indicate that you've given a lot of thought to--and absorbed more than a little feedback in--getting yourself to where you are now. So why not enjoy it?

But then you knew I'd say that.

[Coppy]

Originally Posted by CDLehner

Rone, my only contention with that argument is I believe the msrp on the ET-2 was $3800; whereas the ET-3 is $2500. So the argument could be made that extra $1300 accounts for the fancy case...or lack thereof...and that both units use parts of the same relative value.

I created this thread, because I'm considering the ET-3 to replace my ET-2. My only concern is, sometimes...when C-J guys say it sounds "better", they mean more "tube-y". I'm not looking for extra warmth; in fact, I thought the ET-2 was plenty warm...but still with good detail of course; until a new DAC made me realize my old one was veiling the sound a bit (and that's the first time I've EVER used "like a veil was lifted", in reference to a new piece of gear...lol).

I'm REALLY happy with the sound of my system right now; I'm only considering the ET-3 for the tube-rolling flexibility. If it was "better" to boot, that would be icing on the cake, of course; but I'm hesitant to mess with a good thing.

CD...

You may find that tube rolling is not all it's cracked up to be. After trying some well regarded NOS tubes in my GAT, I'm back to my two best EH6922s. The amplifiers were built for and voiced with the tubes they supplied so it may be hard to improve much on a quality stock tube. I found it a little like changing cables... not sure which ones really improved the sound vs. just different. Now, on the other hand, the SE version of a c-j amp is always better.

Enjoy,
Bob

[CDLehner]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Yes, I am plenty happy right now...which is why I am proceeding ever so cautiously...if at all. I guess the way I see the ET-2 vs. ET-3, is at the very least...they're a tie. I certainly wouldn't expect the ET-3 to sound any worse (and if it did, well then...I'd could always sell it to someone who didn't think so).

If I found them to sound equally good...but the ET-3 offered the tube-rolling flexibility; however insignificantly beneficial...it might tip the scale ever so slightly. And if OTOH, I found the ET-3 to be surprisingly superior in some respect; well then, that would be icing on the cake and a rather easy choice.

Again...just thinking out loud, and weighing my options (and wallet).

[Rafale]

Originally Posted by Coppy

CD...

You may find that tube rolling is not all it's cracked up to be. After trying some well regarded NOS tubes in my GAT, I'm back to my two best EH6922s. The amplifiers were built for and voiced with the tubes they supplied so it may be hard to improve much on a quality stock tube. I found it a little like changing cables... not sure which ones really improved the sound vs. just different. Now, on the other hand, the SE version of a c-j amp is always better.

Enjoy,
Bob

wise

[CDLehner]

Originally Posted by CDLehner

I see the ET-3 guys seem to do a good bit of tube-rolling. It appears the ET-2...with its "limited" 8080...allows far fewer options. This leads me to still be intrigued by the ET-3.

Still no one who can stack them up, side-by-side? Will I be the first one to try both?

The ET-3 has a 6922? Lots of options to choose from there?

Looks like it's so.

[Rayooo]

all I can say is:
If I owned an ET2 today....I'd be chomping at the bit to move to a 6922 and relay controlled volume setting unit. like ET3, ET5, GAT.

whether is was a smart move on my part, or yet another one of a thousand+ dumb moves, I discounted the ET2 immediately due to it's "chip based" analog switch volume control...and held on to my ClassicSE until ET3SE hit the street.

I had (have?) a long standing hatred of what we called at Ampex "IC analog switches". Which I fully accept is rooted in urban legend and superstition more than reality.

having said all that, I'd love to hear YOUR report on comparing ET3 to ET2.