MIke,
Here's my own 2¢ on a really easy solution for you: Just get the Conrad-Johnson gear. You already know you like it and that works for you in your specific home and listening room.

Why risk gong another brand that you don't know anything about with respect to hearing it in your own home that you would be "stuck with" if it turns out you don't like it?

"This reinforces the idea that the insight of fellow audiophiles combined with your own long term listening experiences are probably your best guide in determining the gear best suited to your needs."

Exactamundo, my friend. Go with what you know...cheers.

Hi Puma Cat, earlier this evening, as I wrote the text you quoted, your conclusion dawned on me. Nonetheless, it’s very helpful and comforting to have a knowledgeable, helpful person, like you (and the others), confirm that you’re analyzing an issue properly.

I will sleep on things tonight. I’m pretty certain that I know the phone calls I will be making tomorrow. I’ll provide an update. Thanks again.

Mike

You're welcome, Mike. Hope the input was helpful in your making an informed decision.

Just so you know, Mike, while I also have C-J gear, I don't have any "skin in the game" when it comes to what gear you decide to go with or not. My thought is that any decisions about gear, as John Darko is really good at emphasizing, should really be made based on direct, first-hand experience with it in your own home in your own listening room, in your own comfortable place and with a relaxed yet involved mind-set. You can't get there at an audio show or even at a dealer showroom. And that is what's going to matter so much more than what Alan Sircom or Roy Gregory say in a review.

When I used to teach statistics in my Design for Six Sigma classes to PhD scientists and engineers, I would always say that stats are a tool to help inform your thinking process and provide INSIGHT into what ACTIONS to take and WHY, but also to be very mindful never to focus on what only is statstically significant if it doesn't impact what is PRACTICALLY significant. The only thing that matters in the REAL WORLD is what is practically significant.

Cheers, mate!

Hi Puma Cat, today I placed my order for new CJ gear. I have purchased:
GAT S2 preamp, ART 150 stereo amp and a TEA1S2 phono. The GAT and ART need to be built. The three pieces will be shipped at the same time and are expected in about 2 weeks.

I now need to purchase a new rack (or reconfigure my existing one), additional RCA interconnects and a couple of power cords. I will stick with Ansuz for cables. The rack question is currently unanswered.

Thanks for your assistance and that of the others. I’ll attempt to post some pics once the gear arrives.

Mike

Hi Puma Cat , FYI - my new CJ gear should ship Monday, 4/22/19. The pics below are of the GAT S2 as it was being assembled. It and the ART 150 are currently going through CJ’s five day burn-in and final Q/A process. I’ve also ordered 3 additional modular sections for my Raidho rack and additional Ansuz RCA interconnects and power cords. Those should arrive Monday as well. I’m looking forward to getting everything setup and beginning the lengthy burn-in process.

Attachment 58855Attachment 58856Attachment 58857Attachment 58858

Mike

Gorgeous! Congrats, Mike! I must admit I'm more than a bit envious.

Yes, it took my CT-5 a long time to fully burn-in, the better part of 1000 hours.

When it gets there, its going to be glorious.

Thanks for the congrats. A number of years ago I bought a new GAT S1. I recall its break-in as lengthy, although after 200 hours or so it seemed to gain most of its sonic signature. A close friend has a CT-5 paired with LP140M monos. The combination sounds wonderful.

Looking good Mike!

GAT S2 and ART 300
 

My new gear has arrived. Hope to complete setting up today.

Attachment 58911

Wow, congrats!