Oh yes indeed! The Prem16LS & LS2 were supreme combinations of pre-power at the time. Really didn't get any better than that.
Those were the glory days... I had the ART (dual chassis preamp) partnered with the Prem8A monoblocks driving Apogee Diva's. That system was our personal reference for many years, and still to this day only a handful can truly surpass that in all areas. Now of course, it's quite different going from Diva's to CLX's but I still use Class A moded CJ monoblocks, the musicality is just superb! Nothing lacking.
However, those ART108A's are something extraordinary and to top that, the Art88 preamp is the matching one for supreme synergy. I was seriously considering it but it involves a spend of slightly over a 100grand when it lands down unda... (60grand for the monoblocks and 45grand for the Art88). So, since I really don't prefer living in the dog house, I just couldn't.
On a good note though, one unit has made its way here but will go to NZ to a very deserving customer. I'm sure the Art88 partnered with his ART27A will be an outstanding combination. Cheers to that and good on ya mate!
Have planned a trip to my usual spot next year, early Feb but this mission will be only a fact finding one, and I promised the wifey not to engage in any purchase. So it will be a dedicated audition on the Art88 and ART108A's driving the same CLX's with dual ML BF210 subs.
I think the Alsyvox Botichelli-X is still firing away, with the wonderful ART27A some where in another room. I guess that factor of higher efficiency and ease of drive pays off really well. Can't drive the CLX's with the ART27A optimally, although it can still play wonderful tunes within limits. It was like listening to the little Jas Audio 300B amp driving my previous Quad ESL 2905's partnered with the ACT2 S2. Wonderful tunes but just about right for soft music very late night sessions, nothing more.
So, I'm all very excited about this trip to seek out CJ's top of the line and learn new things. I think Jeff F has really hit the mark on these two Art series amplifiers. Truly tops!
Woof! RJ