Please help me narrow my choices for amp and preamp for a new system. If I buy new: CJ Classic 60 SE, or LP125sa SE. Or, Mac MC275 VI. Probably a CJ ET5 no matter what amp. Are there any compatibility concerns with CJ/Mc combinations? Can anyone comment on the sound of the newest series MC 275-VI with the current CJ amps? One advantage of the MC 275 is that if more power is required I can simply buy another one and use them as monoblocks.
If I buy used there are current listings for CJ amps both stereo and monoblocks from 140 watts to 275 watts. Is there any issue with particular models of older CJ that I should know about? Again, I think the ET5 is what I will buy, but would like to know of alternatives that might be worth considering. I don't know about Mc preamps, recommendations would be appreciated. Beside the increased AC load, is there any other reason to stay away from bigger tube amps such as Premier 5 or 8A? I know 16 output tubes makes tube rolling somewhat prohibitive, but what about reliability? Would a dedicated 20 amp power supply for each of these big amps be necessary?
My speakers are new Sony SS-AR2, sensitivity rating 89 db, the room is 14'x20' with 12' ceilings. The room is open to the rest of the house on one end in a very open floor plan typical of South Florida. I listen to mostly jazz (small group) and sometimes classical and am particularly fond of the human voice. Listening levels are moderate. My best guess is that ~125 wpc would be adequate, with 60 wpc borderline sufficient and the big bruiser amps would be loafing while heating up the joint.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Bill
If I buy used there are current listings for CJ amps both stereo and monoblocks from 140 watts to 275 watts. Is there any issue with particular models of older CJ that I should know about? Again, I think the ET5 is what I will buy, but would like to know of alternatives that might be worth considering. I don't know about Mc preamps, recommendations would be appreciated. Beside the increased AC load, is there any other reason to stay away from bigger tube amps such as Premier 5 or 8A? I know 16 output tubes makes tube rolling somewhat prohibitive, but what about reliability? Would a dedicated 20 amp power supply for each of these big amps be necessary?
My speakers are new Sony SS-AR2, sensitivity rating 89 db, the room is 14'x20' with 12' ceilings. The room is open to the rest of the house on one end in a very open floor plan typical of South Florida. I listen to mostly jazz (small group) and sometimes classical and am particularly fond of the human voice. Listening levels are moderate. My best guess is that ~125 wpc would be adequate, with 60 wpc borderline sufficient and the big bruiser amps would be loafing while heating up the joint.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Bill