Conrad Johnson GAT Triode Preamplifier (Hi-Fi+)

[joeinid]

Hi Joe, I cannot say for sure. I would have thought so. The Alexia has a few dips, but its not like the Sasha from what I am told by the dealer. I have always liked CJ with Wilson as a general rule of thumb. Considering your comments about the CR-1s, are you considering Alexias?

I am indeed. The Alexia are up high on the list. Before I sell my TADs, I want to experience them with the GAT/ART gear as well as the EAR 890/868. I know my Studio2 will be a great on both systems. I can not go any bigger the Alexia and in fact the Alexia are bigger than I'd like but will be amazing, I think. I've heard them and liked what I heard.

 

[LL21]

I am indeed. The Alexia are up high on the list. Before I sell my TADs, I want to experience them with the GAT/ART gear as well as the EAR 890/868. I know my Studio2 will be a great on both systems. I can not go any bigger the Alexia and in fact the Alexia are bigger than I'd like but will be amazing, I think. I've heard them and liked what I heard.

For their size (and irrespective of size), they are fantastic speakers. They are super-sensitive to setup. Get someone who really knows what they're doing and they can tailor it to your taste with tremendous refinement. I have only heard the TAD Ref Ones in an all-TAD system. My sense is that (as they were each set up) the TAD Ref Ones felt more 'neutral' whereas an Alexia has a Wilson mid-forward sound which I loved...but which was clear to hear in comparison to the TADs. But remember, this is because the Wilson dealer had decided to set them up mid-forward...you can clearly have him recess the mids back to a more flat response if you want...up to you which is what is great about Wilsons. Good luck, Joe. BTW, have you considered the slightly smaller Aviors? Having recently spent some time with Rockports for a 2nd time, I can say they are amazing value for money despite their high cost...amazing...and have a fluidity, deep pulsing bass capability and INCREDIBLE alacrity which always seeming to deliver an organic sound...I really really enjoy Rockports.

 

[joeinid]

Yes, I plan on hearing Rockports mid October. I did not realize the Alexia were so versatile. Thanks for the tip. There is some great gear out there, exciting times.

 

[LL21]

Yes, I plan on hearing Rockports mid October. I did not realize the Alexia were so versatile. Thanks for the tip. There is some great gear out there, exciting times.

Good stuff!!! Very exciting. Let us know how Rockports and you get on. Andy Payor...check out his website and you will see 2 sets of amps...mainly Gryphon but also a few CJ pieces here and there. Also both Wilson and Rockport use transparent reference wiring...of course there are many ways to audio nirvana. In any event, all the big Wilsons have had this flexibility and now the Alexia as well. You not only adjust the placement of each cone/box...but you set each resistor however you like it to increase or reduce by 0.7db or so increments each cone's dispersion to adjust for your room and your ears. hence why a great setup man is critical.

 

[joeinid]

Lloyd,

That's awesome! If my TADs had that those two switches like my Revel Studio2, I don't think I'd be looking to replace the CR-1's. I plan on giving the TADs more room to breathe and different amplification before I jettison them.

 

[Toobs]

Joe
I didn't know you have the GAT/ART combination coming. Congrats. I believe the synergy between the GAT pre and the ART amps will put you in audiophile heaven:audiophile::audiophile:

Again, congrats:woot::hi:

 

[joeinid]

Joe
I didn't know you have the GAT/ART combination coming. Congrats. I believe the synergy between the GAT pre and the ART amps will put you in audiophile heaven:audiophile::audiophile:

Again, congrats:woot::hi:

Bob,

Thank you so much. I appreciate the kind words. I've been thinking about them for a long time and everything worked out. It could be under a week before I'll be breaking them in. OMG!

 

[LL21]

Great stuff Joe...I think you're going to really really enjoy them. You will need to get the right speakers for them (and for you)...it seems you are in the market for different speakers...fortunately the ARTs will likely allow you lots of options given their power. In your space requirement, perhaps: Rockport Aviors, Wilson Alexias, the latest SF Amati (more linear-sounding than its predecessors imho so might work for you), Rockport Antares (there is a pair on AGon now) or Merak Sheritans. Good luck and please keep us posted when they arrive!!!

 

[joeinid]

Thanks Lloyd,

I'm sort of shopping new speakers. I intend to give my TADs some serious TLC to bring them around. I expect to prefer them with some serious tube love and look forward to the EAR and CJ pairings. Thanks for all the advice along the way. Most of the speakers you mentioned are in consideration. I can't wait for my tube gear.

Great stuff Joe...I think you're going to really really enjoy them. You will need to get the right speakers for them (and for you)...it seems you are in the market for different speakers...fortunately the ARTs will likely allow you lots of options given their power. In your space requirement, perhaps: Rockport Aviors, Wilson Alexias, the latest SF Amati (more linear-sounding than its predecessors imho so might work for you), Rockport Antares (there is a pair on AGon now) or Merak Sheritans. Good luck and please keep us posted when they arrive!!!

 

[LL21]

By the way, what is your source? I have managed to follow your preamps/amps travels and adventures, but I thought you'd made a move to Emm Labs on digital source. But I do not see it on your signature. Did I not remember correctly? In any event, what is your source? Just curious since [perhaps] that is a place to look for the treble concern you have at the moment (where I think you've identified it as likely being your TADs).

 

[joeinid]

EAR Acute 3 cd player and dac (a stunning player), full Modwright Sony 5400ES, Marantz NA11S1 network player (I really like it) and Marantz SA11S3 cd/sacd player.VPI Classic 3 and Lyra Kleos.

 

[LL21]

EAR Acute 3 cd player and dac (a stunning player), full Modwright Sony 5400ES, Marantz NA11S1 network player (I really like it) and Marantz SA11S3 cd/sacd player.VPI Classic 3 and Lyra Kleos.

Thanks...by its reputation, i would not have thought the EAT player would be adding false brightness/hardness in the treble.

 

[joeinid]

Thanks...by its reputation, i would not have thought the EAT player would be adding false brightness/hardness in the treble.

The EAR sounds great to my ear.

Truly holographic with natural voices and separation of instruments.

 

[Anatta]

Joe, be careful with the Alexia, like the Sasha, it's a very tough load and it's not a good match for valve amps IMO. Read the HI-FI Critic and Hi-Fi News reviews. In the HFN review they say it's the toughest Wilson speaker to drive that they measured in recent years.

 

[LL21]

Joe, be careful with the Alexia, like the Sasha, it's a very tough load and it's not a good match for valve amps IMO. Read the HI-FI Critic and Hi-Fi News reviews. In the HFN review they say it's the toughest Wilson speaker to drive that they measured in recent years.

Good to know...I was under the impression Sasha was a much harder load. Perhaps I am mistaken. I thought Alexias were tough but that something like ART monos would be alright...hope so because they are great speakers. now that you mention it, Martin Colloms did say that even the D'Agostino amp pushed them...but he could tell they could use more. hmmm.... Joe - talk to CJ...they are extremely good about this kind of stuff, and they have had Wilson in their Listening Room for probably the last 20 years or so, going all the way back to the Watts.

 

[joeinid]

Joe, be careful with the Alexia, like the Sasha, it's a very tough load and it's not a good match for valve amps IMO. Read the HI-FI Critic and Hi-Fi News reviews. In the HFN review they say it's the toughest Wilson speaker to drive that they measured in recent years.

Thank you Anatta. I will go back and take a look at the reviews. I know the Dagostino amps can drive more difficult loads but it will be interesting to find out if the CJ ART amps can drive them properly.

Good to know...I was under the impression Sasha was a much harder load. Perhaps I am mistaken. I thought Alexias were tough but that something like ART monos would be alright...hope so because they are great speakers. now that you mention it, Martin Colloms did say that even the D'Agostino amp pushed them...but he could tell they could use more. hmmm.... Joe - talk to CJ...they are extremely good about this kind of stuff, and they have had Wilson in their Listening Room for probably the last 20 years or so, going all the way back to the Watts.

I'll contact CJ next week and see what they say. I have to believe my TAD's, Studio2 and even SF Evos will be wonderful with the ART amps. This will be fun!

 

[XV-1]

Good to know...I was under the impression Sasha was a much harder load. Perhaps I am mistaken. I thought Alexias were tough but that something like ART monos would be alright...hope so because they are great speakers. now that you mention it, Martin Colloms did say that even the D'Agostino amp pushed them...but he could tell they could use more. hmmm.... Joe - talk to CJ...they are extremely good about this kind of stuff, and they have had Wilson in their Listening Room for probably the last 20 years or so, going all the way back to the Watts.

Hi Lloyd

Good to see you over here

Cheers
Shane

 

[LL21]

Hi Lloyd

Good to see you over here

Cheers
Shane

Hey Shane! Great to see you as well...i actually cited your system elsewhere regarding CJ equipment. Something about how great Prem 8s are, particularly updated with CJ Teflon capacitors!

 

[XV-1]

Hey Shane! Great to see you as well...i actually cited your system elsewhere regarding CJ equipment. Something about how great Prem 8s are, particularly updated with CJ Teflon capacitors!

Ha! And that they are . must admit I have not fired the prem8a's up since I have had my Deqx. Might need to do that in the next week.

cheers

 

[MDP]

Love your avatar Shane !!