As their slogan goes " it just sounds right"...
I've had far too many amplifiers in various types of systems over a few decades. Previously owned CJ dealerships, started out as a hobby grew into a passion or as the good wife says an "obsession" which has helped me into a varied form of character, one that not only enjoys high quality music but also enjoys and appreciates the art of listening to good recorded music.
Having burnt fingers along the way and leading up to upgrades for no good reason other than "must have that" syndrome... Has resulted in too many mistakes not only costing money but also hardships in life...
After selling off the most lovable monoblocks I've ever owned, which were the Premier 8's very long ago in a far away place, I thought I'd never be able to afford another pair of CJ monoblocks again. Several others took its place, such as VTL & Manley Labs, and Melos for a short while, until I ventured back into stereo amplifiers. The cost of CJ amplification was rising fast from even the entry level to the SOTA, prices ranging from $7500 - $40,000.
However, once in a lifetime something superb comes down from the heavens, and if you're patient enough that item/s could well be in your living room in no time. I know of a few here who have managed to acquire the ART stereo amp, and what a marvelous amplifier it is. Probably all you would ever require in a top quality, high performance tube amplifier.
And this point leads to a small upgrade that I have been considering for quite a while. I was looking for a no-nonsense approach, monoblocks that are fairly easy to maintain, given the number of tubes on board, and must have that CJ musicality. This would also be my last and final amplifier of choice and would be just the right amount of power to drive a full range stat such as the CLX's.
So introducing to you my most recent update- I managed to acquire the CJ LP125m monoblocks. It certainly took a while but was well worth the wait.
The amplifiers will be picked up on Monday and I know how these things capture every subtle detail with finesse, take full control over panels and have a superb grip on stats, they are simply outstanding! Would I have waited a bit longer to settle for a newer pair or consider the LP275m's or perhaps the top of the line ART 300's, maybe... But this type of power and expenditure is definitely not in my ethics of "high quality music reproduction". This can be achieved by careful planning, thoughtful expenditure and genuine relationships.
Will post some pics once all set up properly in the shoebox... Now at least I can rest with ease having these beauties looking forward to driving a pair of CLX's in due time. At this point the Ethos stats will do just fine, as there are a few priorities to get through first...
Cheers to all who own monoblocks, look after them well and keep that music live!
Big woof! RJ
I've had far too many amplifiers in various types of systems over a few decades. Previously owned CJ dealerships, started out as a hobby grew into a passion or as the good wife says an "obsession" which has helped me into a varied form of character, one that not only enjoys high quality music but also enjoys and appreciates the art of listening to good recorded music.
Having burnt fingers along the way and leading up to upgrades for no good reason other than "must have that" syndrome... Has resulted in too many mistakes not only costing money but also hardships in life...
After selling off the most lovable monoblocks I've ever owned, which were the Premier 8's very long ago in a far away place, I thought I'd never be able to afford another pair of CJ monoblocks again. Several others took its place, such as VTL & Manley Labs, and Melos for a short while, until I ventured back into stereo amplifiers. The cost of CJ amplification was rising fast from even the entry level to the SOTA, prices ranging from $7500 - $40,000.
However, once in a lifetime something superb comes down from the heavens, and if you're patient enough that item/s could well be in your living room in no time. I know of a few here who have managed to acquire the ART stereo amp, and what a marvelous amplifier it is. Probably all you would ever require in a top quality, high performance tube amplifier.
And this point leads to a small upgrade that I have been considering for quite a while. I was looking for a no-nonsense approach, monoblocks that are fairly easy to maintain, given the number of tubes on board, and must have that CJ musicality. This would also be my last and final amplifier of choice and would be just the right amount of power to drive a full range stat such as the CLX's.
So introducing to you my most recent update- I managed to acquire the CJ LP125m monoblocks. It certainly took a while but was well worth the wait.
The amplifiers will be picked up on Monday and I know how these things capture every subtle detail with finesse, take full control over panels and have a superb grip on stats, they are simply outstanding! Would I have waited a bit longer to settle for a newer pair or consider the LP275m's or perhaps the top of the line ART 300's, maybe... But this type of power and expenditure is definitely not in my ethics of "high quality music reproduction". This can be achieved by careful planning, thoughtful expenditure and genuine relationships.
Will post some pics once all set up properly in the shoebox... Now at least I can rest with ease having these beauties looking forward to driving a pair of CLX's in due time. At this point the Ethos stats will do just fine, as there are a few priorities to get through first...
Cheers to all who own monoblocks, look after them well and keep that music live!
Big woof! RJ