Home
AudioAsylum Trader
Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J) CT 5 Preamplifier (Tube) by Jack D II

Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

For Sale Ads

FAQ / News / Events

 

REVIEW: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J) CT 5 Preamplifier (Tube)

74.248.242.75


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] Thread:  [ Display   All   Email ] [ Amp/Preamp Asylum ]
[ Alert Moderator ]

Model: CT 5
Category: Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $8500.00
Description: pre amp
Manufacturer URL: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J)

Review by Jack D II on January 17, 2010 at 13:14:58
IP Address: 74.248.242.75
Add Your Review
for the CT 5


I came from a Stereophile Class A Conrad-Johnson PF R solid state pre amp which I had owned for 10-12 years to the CT 5. A noticeable step up, but not one that blew me away immediately. After almost a year with the CT 5 I'm still noticing improvements in the sound. That sound is as neutral as I can imagine and has a marvelous offering of the lowest level detail which makes the music live. Taunt, fast , full bass and treble even I can listen to for long periods of time. At 71 I'm not supposed to be able to hear things like the triangle as it fades or other very high sounds. HA!! The PF R was as neutral but not so life-like. The C-J people are great to deal with. Whether cd or vinyl (or whatever) the CT 5 is so god that I seriously doubt that it can be improved upon for less that 5 figures and not the low five figures either. And you would have to have incredible ears.


Product Weakness: It takes 45 or so seconds for the unit to produce after turn on.
Product Strengths: beautiful, musical, neutral sound with all the lowest level detail it takes to make the music come alive.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Marsh Sound Design A400
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): C-J CT 5
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Nottingham 294 w.294 arm
Speakers: Dunlavy SC IVs
Cables/Interconnects: Hero and Harmonic Tech Silway II
Music Used (Genre/Selections): jazz, classical, rock
Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 16 x 7'8"
Room Comments/Treatments: none
Time Period/Length of Audition: 10 mo.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Shunyata and Monster 3500
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  Schiit Audio  



Topic - REVIEW: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J) CT 5 Preamplifier (Tube) - Jack D II 13:14:58 01/17/10 ( 3)