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CJ custs – please help me get rid of my headache

Currently I have the following setup:

CJ Premier 16LS preamp
CJ EF1 phono preamp
CJ MV60SE power amp
CJ DV2B CD player
Tannoy Turnberry speakers
Sota Star TT
Stealth PGS gold I/C’s

My headache is coming from trying to ascertain which CJ power amp would be best for my system. Having had a CJ MV45 years back, I enjoyed that midrange magic of the EL34’s and am missing it. However, I realize there is a tradeoff in sacrificing the EL 34’s in favor of the 6550’s to firm up and extend the overall sound presentation.

So, I thought I’d try the MV60SE because I don’t listen to very loud levels and I like how it cosmetically matches up with the Premier 16LS. This sound is pretty good, but I find myself all too often going to Audigon to explore other possibilities (Premier 11, Premier 12 monos, Premier 140, etc.). I do want to stay with period correct matching…any suggestions for a replacement CJ power amp? Thanks.
rbschauman
lissnr
351 posts
 
As the series get newer, the old CJ sound gets less and less. The MV-45,50,52...midrange and seductive EL-34 magic will not be present anywhere near the degree you had. I too had EL-34 based power amps and when I finally switched to my current CJ Premier 12's (6550's which I started with and then to KT-88's which I'm currently using)the sound became more extended/somewhat faster and articulate...you might even say more "accurate" but the EL-34 mid-magic wasn't there. My solution was a lot of work and expense but I ended up buying another amp (EL-34 based) and bi=amped my speakers with the EL-34's on the midrange/tweeter and the CJ KT-88's on the woofers. After MUCH work with crossovers and the like, I finally managed to get that sound back.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
..just for the halibut.....try PURIST cables. Borrow a pair, but although these cables to me in MY system are not true to life, they bring out that "midrange magic" you're missing.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
uru975
684 posts
 
I had an MV-52 for years with a PV-11 that was very nice. Eventually upgraded to the Premier 16LSII and the Premier 11a. That was a very nice and easy to identify upgrade even for friends who are not audiophiles. So I would try the Premier 11a. they tend to go for around $1500-1950.
steelhead
288 posts
 
You might want to invest in a set of 12's wired for triode EL 34's. This would give you a nice cj look with some headroom with the monoblocks.

You have a lot of options in the EL34 tube amp area if you leave cj but with your system (which I would love to hear) staying with cj makes sense.

I own a set of 12's with backert mods and enjoy them immensely but know where your coming from as I have friends with 300B SET's (Glorious) and Cary V12 monoblocks (EL 34's although running 6550's now) and that EL 34/triode sound is certainly appealing.

Have Fun!
rbschauman OP
113 posts
 
Greetings,

Thanks all for your thoughts.

Coming to the forefront would be the Premier 11 or 12’s.

Did not know the 11 or 12’s could be bought that are wired for triode EL 34's - so, onto CJ's website.

From CJ’s website: “The Eleven-XS is an Eleven-A with the output stage configured to use a pair of EL34s operated as triodes”. The same is put forth for the 12's. Very interesting, but I’ve never seen an 11-XS or a set of 12-XS's for sale - are these extremely rare?

Steelhead - Saying you would like to hear my system is quite a nice compliment – thank you. I do like the articulation that is without edge and there is a great soundstage. The all CJ pieces look pretty cool together as well.

Randy
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