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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. |
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74.248.242.75
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: 74.248.242.75Add 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
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Topic - REVIEW: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J) CT 5 Preamplifier (Tube) - Jack D II 13:14:58 01/17/10 ( 3)
- Nice review, short and sweet...... - onemug 23:54:12 01/17/10 ( 2)
- Some of us oldfarts would say it's excellent to be 71... - jeffreybehr 10:31:53 01/18/10 ( 1)
- I sure would. - Dave Pogue 05:13:45 01/19/10 ( 0)