CT5 versus ET5?

[Vhiner]

As anyone heard/owned these preamps? I'd be interested in learning what the substantive differences are. The CT5 is a mighty fine preamplifier. Is the ET5 an evolutionary or revolutionary step forward? I have read Jeff Dorgay's review but I was hoping for additional opinions from those who have had the chance to hear for themselves.

[Puma Cat]

I haven't heard an ET-5, but my guess is that it's an evolutionary rather than revolutionary preamp.

I agree the CT-5 is a mighty fine preamp...I am listening to mine as I write this, actually. Plus it's a lot prettier than the ET-5, too. it sure looks nice paired with the LP70S, which shares the same curved vestibule front panel design. It would look even nicer paired with a set of LP275M monoblocks, though!

It is better to look good that to feel good...

Speaking of Premier 350s, how is the monster amp working out?

[Briz Vegaas]

Ah, the big questions in life.

Yes, some are convinced that the ET5 is better. I am convinced that ET5 and CT5 sound different. When I tried the ET5 in my system I was running the CT5 with a CA200. I think I had the Vivids then but the Naim DAC was without an external power supply and I was yet to work out some important optimisations.

I thought the ET5 sounded more hifi but I thought the CT5 did better in the all important midrange. I felt ET5 lacked weight, recordings sounded more like just recordings to me, less real. Maybe it was more detailed, but it didn't feel like an upgrade, just different.

Since that time I have swapped to the LP 70s, the Naim DAC has become a formidable source with XPS2 power supply, optimised grounding settings and I learnt to leave it on 24/7 for better sound. Then there is the CT5 transformation that I reported in another thread ( I understand faulty diodes were replaced with better quality ones because the repair guy had them available. it wasn't supposed to change the sound, I'm told my dealer believes it shouldn't sound better, but it's made my CT5 more transparent, better in the bass/ dynamics, more depth separation, more expressive vocals and instruments, particularly acoustic ones, it's just a better sounding pre amp. even weeks later I am finding old recordings that sound easily better than before)

Lessons I have taken from this experience.
- my pre amp comparison might have been compromised by limitations due my DAC, which was good but is now extremely good, but that is the case with any comparison - any component is only as good as the other gear allows it to be. Know your systems bottleneck.
- the CT5 is a great preamp, but mine at least could be improved significantly That is mot to say that the diodes were out of spec before one failed.

I agree with Puma, the CT5 pairs beautifully with the LP70s, mine is also sounding excellent. I am completely happy with the system.

[ronenash]

Originally Posted by Briz Vegaas

( I understand faulty diodes were replaced with better quality ones because the repair guy had them available. it wasn't supposed to change the sound, I'm told my dealer believes it shouldn't sound better, but it's made my CT5 more transparent, better in the bass/ dynamics, more depth separation, more expressive vocals and instruments, particularly acoustic ones, it's just a better sounding pre amp. even weeks later I am finding old recordings that sound easily better than before)

Diodes in the power-supply regulator have a huge impact on sound. You can certainly do better than the stock diodes CJ uses (faster and less noisy) although they come at a hefty price.
I can clearly see how a change in the power-supply diodes made a difference.

[Vhiner]

Thanks guys! I definitely do not want a more "hi fi" sound. I outgrew that when I shed my D-200 ARC (a truly rare and dreadful misstep on ARC's part) and quit running my DAC directly into my amps. Musicality is everything to me at this stage of my journey. I also agree about the ET5's appearance...but I'd buy a wooden board with parts on it if it sounded awesome. ;-). I've always liked the 6922 tube and I've heard some single-tube preamps that had some magic. I guess the only real way to judge this is to hear both amps fully broken in the same system. Can't afford to do that myself right now. Stephen, the 350 continues to rule! Thanks again for making that possible.

[repman]

Having owned a CJ Premier 17LS a CT-5 and an ET-5 I would choose the ET-5 hands down! I think it has an warm liquid midrange that is not bloated or heavy but in my opinion almost perfect. I think that the 17 is slow and bloated compared to the newer CJ preamps it sounds very warm and inviting but tends to be short on detail and Rhythm.
The CT-5 sounds the most sterile of the lot in my opinion and I think a lot of that sonic signature comes from the use of the 6N30P tube as opposed to the 6922 tube in the ET-5. I have not been a fan of Preamps using the 6N30P tube and I think CJ learned that lesson with the ACT series and CT-5. They went back to the 6922 tubes for the ET-5 and the GAT.

[aldinohiend]

I agree. Even I do not like the pre with the 6N30. But if the Premier 17LS good valves are mounted (for example, the Philips E88CC SQ) is an excellent pre.

[Rayooo]

Originally Posted by repman

Having owned a CJ Premier 17LS a CT-5 and an ET-5 I would choose the ET-5 hands down! I think it has an warm liquid midrange that is not bloated or heavy but in my opinion almost perfect. I think that the 17 is slow and bloated compared to the newer CJ preamps it sounds very warm and inviting but tends to be short on detail and Rhythm.
The CT-5 sounds the most sterile of the lot in my opinion and I think a lot of that sonic signature comes from the use of the 6N30P tube as opposed to the 6922 tube in the ET-5. I have not been a fan of Preamps using the 6N30P tube and I think CJ learned that lesson with the ACT series and CT-5. They went back to the 6922 tubes for the ET-5 and the GAT.

+1

[repman]

Originally Posted by aldinohiend

I agree. Even I do not like the pre with the 6N30. But if the Premier 17LS good valves are mounted (for example, the Philips E88CC SQ) is an excellent pre.

I agree that the 17LS is a great sounding Pre I was just saying it has more of the older CJ sound ( leaning to the romantic sound warm and full) compared to the newer CJ lineup

[Vhiner]

Originally Posted by Briz Vegaas

Ah, the big questions in life. Yes, some are convinced that the ET5 is better. I am convinced that ET5 and CT5 sound different. When I tried the ET5 in my system I was running the CT5 with a CA200. I think I had the Vivids then but the Naim DAC was without an external power supply and I was yet to work out some important optimisations. I thought the ET5 sounded more hifi but I thought the CT5 did better in the all important midrange. I felt ET5 lacked weight, recordings sounded more like just recordings to me, less real. Maybe it was more detailed, but it didn't feel like an upgrade, just different. Since that time I have swapped to the LP 70s, the Naim DAC has become a formidable source with XPS2 power supply, optimised grounding settings and I learnt to leave it on 24/7 for better sound. Then there is the CT5 transformation that I reported in another thread ( I understand faulty diodes were replaced with better quality ones because the repair guy had them available. it wasn't supposed to change the sound, I'm told my dealer believes it shouldn't sound better, but it's made my CT5 more transparent, better in the bass/ dynamics, more depth separation, more expressive vocals and instruments, particularly acoustic ones, it's just a better sounding pre amp. even weeks later I am finding old recordings that sound easily better than before) Lessons I have taken from this experience. - my pre amp comparison might have been compromised by limitations due my DAC, which was good but is now extremely good, but that is the case with any comparison - any component is only as good as the other gear allows it to be. Know your systems bottleneck. - the CT5 is a great preamp, but mine at least could be improved significantly That is mot to say that the diodes were out of spec before one failed. I agree with Puma, the CT5 pairs beautifully with the LP70s, mine is also sounding excellent. I am completely happy with the system.

Briz, I appreciate you sharing your experience. It helps. Do you know how many hours were on the ET5 you auditioned? How long did you get to keep it?