|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
CT5 versus ET5?
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.
|
#2
|
||||
|
||||
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?
__________________
Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components. Last edited by Puma Cat; 11-02-2013 at 02:05 AM. |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
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. Last edited by Briz Vegaas; 11-03-2013 at 09:05 AM. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
I can clearly see how a change in the power-supply diodes made a difference. |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
Okay, which diodes are these?
__________________
Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
There are 4 rectifier diodes for the B+ power supply (high voltage) and 4diodes for the heater power supply. There is actually another PS for the logic circuit but these have no effect on sound.
|
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Would these diodes also be found in the CA200? Or are there analagous ones in the CA200? I have the unit in for repair so this might be an opportune time since the "hood" will be open. Thanks, |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#9
|
|||
|
|||
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.
|
#10
|
||||
|
||||
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. |
|
|
Audio Aficionado Sponsors | |