|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
73.229.29.71
In Reply to: RE: Thanks Abe posted by artemus on July 08, 2017 at 11:22:59
Weird but I think I prefer solid-state CJ gear more than their tube offerings.
I had the CJ PF-R which was an outstanding preamp. The only minor issue with it in my setup was the Volume knob had most of its useful range down toward 7 O'Clock to 9 O'Clock if I recall. It made adjusting the Volume a little touchy with the Remote control. I would often over-shoot or under-shoot my ideal Volume level.
I also had the CJ MF-2250A power amp which I liked a lot although it could have had a bit more 'slam'. The very dynamic PF-R made up the difference so the combo was very good.
I have no experience with more recent power conditioners or AC regenerators. I have an older PS Audio Power Plant P300 which I use for source components.
In any case, welcome back to the Asylum!
Follow Ups:
If one actually gets to live with this stuff, and evaluate it with her own terms, music, room, tastes, and habits, she can set aside the usual SA prejudices.We found the CJ PF-1, PF-R, and Premier 18LS to offer not just an alternative to CJ's tube gear, but to the solid state competition. However, only the Sonogrpahe SC-26 had enough volume control range. You are correct; with regular gear, the PF-R (and PF-1 and Premier 18LS) had way too much gain (or not enough volume control range).
Audiophiles always ask the wrong question. They always ask me how the PF-R "sounded." No, the correct inquiry is, "How did the PF-R deviate from true invisibility/transparency?"
Unlike, oh, 85% of the competition, the PF-R did not interfere with the sources' energy, momentum, and propulsion. Alas, if we had downbeat or otherwise poor-sounding sources, that's what the PF-R revealed. But is that the PF-R's "fault?" Of course not.
I remember going over to an audiophile's house in the Oakland hills in the mid-90s. Instead of using $$$$ front ends, he switched between some modestly-priced JVC and Sony ES CD players, whose 2V outputs worked better than the usual high-end audio spread. Moreover, the lack of boom and bloat from the JVC and Sony players worked better and very well with the popular music we loved and still love.
The PF-R didn't do anything to hold back the fun of Ace Of Base's "Beautiful Life." At that point, the host's teenage daughter and her friends came in, and kicked us audiophiles out. Nah, that's a lie. "Beautiful Life" was what kicked off the party, which multiple generations could enjoy.
Looking back, that system could have been even better if we had (a) a Cable Cooker to treat the Kimber PBJ and 4TC; and (b) the Hi-Fi Tuning Silverstar fuses. So if Artemus can overcome the excessive gain, it's easy to see why he still has the PF-R.
Edits: 07/08/17 07/08/17
I set out to replace the PFR with an LS17. LS16 was my dream. That was about 10 yrs ago. I've had a tube phono pre and a tube amp. But providence has kept the PFR in my system. I just went back recently and read the Stereophile review of it in '97(?).
It definitely is a very transparent Preamp. But as both of you say, the volume control is quite touchy. 9 o'clock is my default. 8-8:15 when my wife is here.
I'm thinking about having the PFR evaluated and serviced and having parts replaced if needed. Then too, unless CJ does it with original parts, it may be a bad move.
=========================
You paid HOW MUCH for that electrical receptacle?!!! Are YOU nuts?
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: