ARC Ref 10 vs CJ GAT(2) ?
- Thread starter joeinid
- Start date
heihei
New member
Am guessing you've seen Roy Gregory's review of both of these.....
http://www.theaudiobeat.com/blog/trio_preamps.htm
I've spent quite a bit of time with the Ref 10 and happy to comment, but not the CJ.
http://www.theaudiobeat.com/blog/trio_preamps.htm
I've spent quite a bit of time with the Ref 10 and happy to comment, but not the CJ.
Its pretty clear from Gregory's review, the ref 10 came third.
There is a humanity and lack of grain or artifice that make the C-J’s presentation very special indeed. In comparison, the Audio Research preamp is smoothed off and lacking both delicacy and intimacy.
his views pretty much match what I have heard when I have owned ARC pre amp and heard them - neutral they are not.
cj GAT is like crystal clear running water.
There is a humanity and lack of grain or artifice that make the C-J’s presentation very special indeed. In comparison, the Audio Research preamp is smoothed off and lacking both delicacy and intimacy.
his views pretty much match what I have heard when I have owned ARC pre amp and heard them - neutral they are not.
cj GAT is like crystal clear running water.
heihei
New member
IMHO the ref 10 paints a grand picture of the music - if you like sitting at the back of the hall listening to the overall effect then you'd love it. As such though, you miss out on a lot of detail that most of us like to enjoy. I decided it wasn't for me therefore. Sadly not had the opportunity to try either the CJ or VTL.
Hi Joe,
If my system was single-ended, I would have definitely auditioned the CJ GAT2 based on the wonderful things I've heard about it. However, since my system is fully balanced, which offers greater noise reduction and increased output voltage over SE, and my monoblocks only have balanced inputs (like your M400's), I consider it a non-starter.
The Ref 10 offers amazing nuance and delicacy, 3D soundstaging and an overall musicality, which places it right at the top of the preamp chain. It’s no coincidence how many reference systems have the Ref 10 as their preamp.
Best,
Ken
If my system was single-ended, I would have definitely auditioned the CJ GAT2 based on the wonderful things I've heard about it. However, since my system is fully balanced, which offers greater noise reduction and increased output voltage over SE, and my monoblocks only have balanced inputs (like your M400's), I consider it a non-starter.
The Ref 10 offers amazing nuance and delicacy, 3D soundstaging and an overall musicality, which places it right at the top of the preamp chain. It’s no coincidence how many reference systems have the Ref 10 as their preamp.
Best,
Ken
- Thread Author
- #10
Thank you for that link. I have not seen it. I’ve always been a CJ fan (and GAT fan of course) but thought I’d see what everyone thinks.
The GAT2 and REF10, along with the VAC Master/Statement are the three best “modern” tube preamps I’ve ever heard.
At the end of the day, it’s all about proper pairing, synergy, taste, etc.
At the end of the day, it’s all about proper pairing, synergy, taste, etc.
CPP
Active member
Why don't the CJ's have balanced connections
KeithR
Active member
Since your Dags are fully balanced, I'd go with a fully balanced preamp.
You've already owned the Ref 6 and didn't like it, so I would try a Vac.
You've already owned the Ref 6 and didn't like it, so I would try a Vac.
- Thread Author
- #15
Hi Keith,
I’ve had a VAC in the past and I know Mike loves the newer ones. I have a demo of a Ref 10 coming, so I’m very excited despite not being excited about the Ref 6. I know from others that the Ref 10 is in another class, not aggressive nor edgy but big and bold, smooth and detailed.
Plus, it should be a great combo with the D’Agostino amps.
Stay tuned.
I’ve had a VAC in the past and I know Mike loves the newer ones. I have a demo of a Ref 10 coming, so I’m very excited despite not being excited about the Ref 6. I know from others that the Ref 10 is in another class, not aggressive nor edgy but big and bold, smooth and detailed.
Plus, it should be a great combo with the D’Agostino amps.
Stay tuned.
Attachments
Last edited:
KeithR
Active member
Cool, best way to find out! I've heard the Ref 10 several times now - it's definitely pretty amazing. In fact, heard one on your Dags two weeks ago.
Hope you aren't trying to warm up the sound a bit though - the Ref 10 won't do that. Very neutral preamp.
Hope you aren't trying to warm up the sound a bit though - the Ref 10 won't do that. Very neutral preamp.
- Thread Author
- #17
I've heard that too. I expect with the Dags (which have a slight sweetness to them) for everything to be pretty much down the middle.
Sharp 2160
New member
That is how my system turned out. The match between ARC Ref 10 and D'Agostino monoblocks is popular with a few others and works. I have tried many combinations of both tube and solid state. I am very satisfied with the Ref 10. That separate power supply is there for a good reason!
Nice Joe! :exciting:
cmalak
Active member
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2013
- Messages
- 2,304
Hi Keith,
I’ve had a VAC in the past and I know Mike loves the newer ones. I have a demo of a Ref 10 coming, so I’m very excited despite not being excited about the Ref 6. I know from others that the Ref 10 is in another class, not aggressive nor edgy but big and bold, smooth and detailed.
Plus, it should be a great combo with the D’Agostino amps.
Stay tuned.
Just make sure you don’t stack them when you operate them [emoji851][emoji23]