Non-CJ Tube Preamp Paired w/ CJ EL34 Amp?

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by Fotoman

Update: I decided on a McIntosh C-22 MKV. Full-function all-analog- mainstream and completely modern but with a retro vibe. There are many more hours of break-in ahead for the preamp and the CJ Classic 62SE as well, but even now at this early juncture, I'm very pleased indeed.

Terrific choice for a preamp. Loved mine and it responds well to tube rolling (other than the hassle of removing the top and tube clamp - I left the clamp out and only used two of the 7 screws for the top).

As Stephen mentioned, if you've not had a new piece with Teflon caps, it takes a good 400hr+ to get them broken-in. Well worth the time as they provide a truly superior SQ. Enjoy!!

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

As Stephen mentioned, if you've not had a new piece with Teflon caps, it takes a good 400hr+ to get them broken-in. Well worth the time as they provide a truly superior SQ. Enjoy!!

Agreed. I'll add that it can be challenging at times to exercise the "patience of a Saint" during the CJ Teflon cap burn-in interval (), but in the end, it's a journey working embarking upon. And, as I mentioned, amps should take less time than preamps.

Cheers.

[Fotoman]

Thank you both, Glenn and Stephen for your constructive and very positive comments. Since the CJ amp and the MAC preamp are breaking in on separate timelines, I'm hoping that there will be a few "aha!" moments when SQ makes a dramatic or at least noticeable jump for the better. But I'll likely not know which component to attribute that to.

This is obviously not a "controlled" process. .

At this point I can say that the C22 is a pleasure to use and seems to be a good match with the CJ Classic SE. My goal is to get to a point where I'm listening at least primarily to the music and not the gear. That's how it was for many years when I used my MFA separates.

Paul

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Fotoman

Thank you both, Glenn and Stephen for your constructive and very positive comments. Since the CJ amp and the MAC preamp are breaking in on separate timelines, I'm hoping that there will be a few "aha!" moments when SQ makes a dramatic or at least noticeable jump for the better. But I'll likely not know which component to attribute that to.

This is obviously not a "controlled" process. .

At this point I can say that the C22 is a pleasure to use and seems to be a good match with the CJ Classic SE. My goal is to get to a point where I'm listening at least primarily to the music and not the gear. That's how it was for many years when I used my MFA separates.

You'll get there. As the saying goes, "All good things come to those who wait..."

[Fotoman]

Testing the added info in my sig.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Fotoman

Test

pV=nRT