Kind of an eclectic system that was created by budget finds and internet-direct purchases. Fortunately I've found surprisingly good synergy.
For the future, looking to complete the front end with a used cj preamp. For the price the Sierra-1s have been great in reigniting my interest in music, but would love to explore other speakers when the time and finances are right.
Thanks for the warm compliments, Invenio! I actually just joined that forum prior to looking at your post. I actually stumbled upon Conrad-Johnson while purchasing a Parasound P3 preamp in Tucson. The seller had just taken the MF2300 out of one of their customer's system and were going to list it on ebay. Bought the amp for $500 and haven't looked back.
I've been very reluctant to move away from the Ascends, but I wouldn't mind checking out some Proacs and perhaps an Eastern Electric DAC. Someday I'll get there...but for now, I'm pretty satisfied with the synergy and the new addition (PF14LSII).
And, love your system and the look of the Evolution 2000!
I feel like you should get a commission. Thanks for clearing everything up and giving me direction (again). Really appreciate it. Brent Jesse and and the EAT tube dampers are things I'll follow up on.
Again, thank you - as well as Smortega, Jax, and MJ -- for all the great insight. You have no idea how much it's appreciated.
Again...great information and direction. Here's what I've been trying to wrap my head around since I'm a newbie with tubes: Which tubes can I thrown in the PV14LS2?
Right now it has Mullard 8080s, but I've seen posts that state recommendations for the EC90s, cj website for the 6C4s, and your recommendation for the 6922s. I'm assuming all of these tubes work with this preamp, I'm just curious (and perhaps even cautious) to as what other tubes may work in addition to ones already mentioned.
EAT tube damper looks interesting. Good stuff, Lloydelee.
Thanks for all of your input regarding the cj line. Really informative! I'm pretty happy with the 14LS2. It's pretty neutral, perhaps not as warm as I expected, but the Sierra's are pretty non-fatiguing speakers. I figure I'd look at tube amps sometime in the far far future. Thanks again for sharing your experience. Really helped in figuring things out.
Sold the Wadia, going to sell the Parasound, and purchased the PV14LS2. Next change will be the speakers, but that's gonna be a while since I'm pretty content with the Ascends.
Not too sure if I'll get much response, but any thoughts on a c-j PV14L Series II matched with the c-j 2300A?
Smortega -- Haven't tried the analog outs. Supposedly it's dramatic depending on the DAC you're using. I may be moving down to PHX in the next few months...figure it'd be a good opportunity to try it out when setting the system back up.
Thanks for the warm compliment! I only wish that the Classic had a remote, otherwise it would be at the top of my list. Weighing in at 85lbs, the MF2300 is built like a tank. I would only assume that the preamps are just as well made.
I've been checking out your system for the past few months for inspiration and ideas. My flexy rack didn't come out nearly as nice, which brought way to the Salamander rack. Anyways, love your system, and the pictures on the walls couldn't be classier. Awesome job!
The P3 has been a great preamp, which has made me slow on pulling the trigger on a used cj. I've been perfectly happy with the combination for the past year and a half. With that being said, tubes have repeatedly crossed my mind as a whole new experience.
Llowde, you're correct. I prefer the warmer sound. The ET3 and 17LS have been at the top of my list for a while. Haven't seen too many ET3s on Audiogon. If I'm patient, I figure I could wait a year or two for the prices to go down (retail and used).
Just got the squeezebox touch -- what an awesome little unit. Looks like I'll be selling my Wadia in the near future.
Got any recommendations for preamps? I've almost gone full circle after reading up on the majority of the cj preamps. I was originally interested in the PFR, but have taken interest in the 12A, 16LS (too much, though), 17LS, ET3, and Classic. From what I've read the typical cj sound was minimized between 1998 to 2008.
toro3 on Budget Minded