Which SS amp, for this C-J noob?

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by CDLehner

I have to tell ya...I am loving the way this 2500a sounds with my Special 25s.

To this point, I kinda had a love/hate thing going on with the 25s. They can be magical, with the right material...and when you're in the mood to, that 8" Evidence driver can rock the house like nobody's business (considering it's a monitor, of course).

But they can also be a bit forward/revealing/shouty, etc; usually with the "wrong" material (which, hey...I just can't let the tail wag the dog on that one)...and I'm told they're very susceptible to electronics upstream.

Now...I'm not saying everything will sound great now; I'm sure I'll still have to guard against some GIGO. But last night I did some listening that blew my socks off!

So...with the highs being higher, now that the 2500a is in the mix...I think I can deal with the "lows", and the 25s may be getting a reprieve. Also, the 2500a seems to be playing quite nicely with the Belles 21a pre-amp. So I can stay put there for a while, and keep an eye out for another PV-15 to come around...and that might makes things even that much better.

Oh yeah...but I still need to get those panels up PC.

That's great to hear, CD! I am very happy the MF2500A is working out so well for you.

I've thought frequently about picking up an MF2500A, but right now my priority has to be a quality phono stage with two inputs.

I think that if you can find that dream PV-15, you'll find the performance that much better. C-J preamps and amps match up really well.

Enjoy the new amp.

[bgiliberti]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

That's great to hear, CD! I am very happy the MF2500A is working out so well for you.

I've thought frequently about picking up an MF2500A, but right now my priority has to be a quality phono stage with two inputs.

I think that if you can find that dream PV-15, you'll find the performance that much better. C-J preamps and amps match up really well.

Enjoy the new amp.

Not sure, but isn't the non-se Classic basically a PV15 without balance control? Available new with warranty for $1,500 -- quite a deal.

[CDLehner]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

I think that if you can find that dream PV-15, you'll find the performance that much better. C-J preamps and amps match up really well.

I think so too Stephen. I used to think "best man for the job", but now I think there's something to be said for the synergy between pre and power from the same maker; especially if the maker is a quality outfit like C-J.

CD

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by CDLehner

I think so too Stephen. I used to think "best man for the job", but now I think there's something to be said for the synergy between pre and power from the same maker; especially if the maker is a quality outfit like C-J.

CD

+1

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by bgiliberti

Not sure, but isn't the non-se Classic basically a PV15 without balance control? Available new with warranty for $1,500 -- quite a deal.

I dunno, I think the Classic is more based on the PV12 circuit, not the PV15. The PV15 was quite a bit more expensive when it was produced. FWIW, I auditioned a Classic preamp for an entire weekend in my home system when I had my PV12, and I could not tell virtually any difference between them. Going from my PV12 to my Premier 17 was a big jump, but not as big as going from my Premier 11A amp to my LP70S. My Koetsu Urushi Vermilion cartridge and LP70S probably made the biggest single amplification chain-based improvements in my system.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by CDLehner

I think so too Stephen. I used to think "best man for the job", but now I think there's something to be said for the synergy between pre and power from the same maker; especially if the maker is a quality outfit like C-J.

CD

One thing I noted when I went to an all C-J system is the background noise level went way down, and this with an all tube system.

[CDLehner]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

One thing I noted when I went to an all C-J system is the background noise level went way down, and this with an all tube system.

Yeah...I'm not entirely sure, but I think that's one of the things the Auricap upgrade in my Belles 21a helps with; noise-floor.

Again...the 21a and 2500a are pairing quite nicely, for now. It affords me the luxury of waiting for the right C-J to come back around. A PV-15 is my first choice; if one doesn't come around for a while, I might consider a PV-14LS2...and a Premier 17 would be a reach for me.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by CDLehner

Yeah...I'm not entirely sure, but I think that's one of the things the Auricap upgrade in my Belles 21a helps with; noise-floor.

Again...the 21a and 2500a are pairing quite nicely, for now. It affords me the luxury of waiting for the right C-J to come back around.

Yes, and I think that's the key thing.

[CDLehner]

Well all...I think my trial of C-J might be coming to an end. Most people probably wouldn't even bother to post this...because I just know I'm going to get beat-up (especially from a certain Vinyl-loving, C-J advocate ); but I love this hobby, and appreciate when people share as an opportunity to learn how others approach it.

Looking back at the comments in this thread, I cringe a bit at the prospect of saying this...because I've had so much enthusiasm for the amp. And that's all true; it's a GREAT amp. I've read reviews...after the fact (I never like to be influenced by them before I make a purchasing decision...if I can help it)...and it gets great pub, and it's all well-deserved.

So...why did I just buy something else to audition? Well, Stephen will tell you he thinks I have audiophile ADHD...lol. Fair enough, but not to the extent that I want to; I just want a system that I love...but that I don't think about, so it can just get out of the way and I'm left to focus on the music. For whatever reason, I keep listening for the mf-2500a, and it's a bit of a "distraction"...good as it is.

Maybe it's just the fact that it's still new-ish...and it's just a matter of time, and I haven't given it that time; to just get used to it, and not be looking for its signature on my music. Maybe that's easier...and sooner...said than done with some amps. I do feel like this amp (I won't lump all of C-J in, based on my one experience) has a signature; has its own sound, rather than being neutral. Now, it's a great sound..."it just sounds right"...lol; but it's still something to be "aware" of, and I'm too aware of it.

You'll never hear me say anything bad about my experience...except to be honest about it, and say what I've said here: that perhaps C-J has its own sound...and it's great, if you take to it. I'm going to go back to my first girl; (David) Belles was the first, really hi-end amp I ever owned...and I fell hard. My 150a Hot-Rod left a little something to be desired...especially as I moved up in speakers; but then again, it is almost 15 years old. So I'm going to try a 150a Reference v2.

I'm not giving up on the mf-2500s sight unseen (hearing unheard?); I'm trying to sell the infamous "extra" one, and that'll still leave me my unit to audition against the new Belles. I just have a feeling my Belles 21a pre (which I have never grown tired of...great unit) will really take to his new sibling.

C-J may very well be in my future. Maybe the newer gear has less of that C-J flavor, and is easier to forget about? And I plan to stay-tuned to the forum. It's a great bunch, and I haven't found them to be excluding of those who don't have C-J; and I sure hope they don't start now...lol.

[joeinid]

Hi Chris,

I felt the passion in that post. As your signature says "The longest way around, is the sweetest way home" -Eleanor Friedberger seems to hit the nail on the head. I've been through bunch of gear and a lot of us like to experiment. Belles makes great gear and was recommended to me by a dealer I used to talk to down south. A very nice guy who loves David's gear. I bet the new stuff is even better and more awesome, so enjoy.