G’day from down unda! Trust all is well and tunes are playing...
Over the last few months, had the pleasure of listening closely to some well-established names in the industry, and ones that I truly admire. Comparing overall sound & pricing, items listed:
Amplifiers: Conrad Johnson ARTsa, LP125sa, Audio Research Ref75, and GS150
Preamplifiers: CJ ET5, & Classic 2SE (with phono stage) and ARC GSPre
Speaker systems: Quad ESL2905 (my own pair) and Magnepan MG3.7i
Very interesting run this was, especially with Maggies. There weren’t too many amps that could bring out the best in maggies. Basically it was the ARTsa and GS150 that performed superbly well on the MG3.7i. Comparatively, two equally superb sounding amplifiers, matched with top end preamplifiers would probably make the difference.
The Ref75 seemed to struggle on the MG3.7i for some reason, it didn’t quite impress. Compared to my Classic 60SE, it had no problem driving maggies within limits of course. Since I do not listen to loud whatsoever, the Classic 60SE was quite marvellous on the maggies. Reminded me of those glorious days with the Premier 11A & MG3.5/R’
The Ref75 was however fantastic on the Quads, probably the best match overall. It was the most detailed, transparent, powerful and well controlled reproduction I had heard from my Quads to date in this price point. I first partnered it with the ET5 using adaptor cables since the ET5 doesn’t have provision for XLR connections. Even with the adaptors, the sound was mighty fine. Later on I tried the GSpre, which seemed a better synergy but lost that pure CJ airiness and smooth top end that CJ is known for. I could still happily live with the GSpre and Ref75 with the Quads but not on the maggies, the GS150 was a far better amplifier overall.
Driving the maggies with the CJ-LP125sa was not much of a difference either in terms of power. Though the GS150 did prove to be more controlled in the lower bass. The MG3.7i’s seemed to open up more each time more power was driving it. It would virtually react as a horn type speaker with startling transients, soft as a whisper with sudden acceleration of notes in a lightning bolt performance with the GS150. In conclusion, I really preferred this combination on maggies with the GSpre + GS150 amp, super control and sense of depth.
Now for Quads- driving it with the LP125sa and ARTsa once again didn’t seem much of a major difference in terms of power but when it came to that sweet expansive soundstage, along with superb depth and imaging, effortless transient response with the smoothest power & finesse, there really is nothing more of a total enjoyment listening to the ARTsa and Quads- simply superb!
The LP125sa had all the same virtues of that expansive soundstage, depth and imaging, smooth airy highs, extended top end and fantastic midrange, with superb musicality, it's just that the ARTsa takes this to another level.
In terms of preamps, there wasn’t a major difference in performance although there was a huge difference in pricing. The GSpre sounded superb and the simple CJ Classic 2SE was equally good on every recording I played (even Taylor Swift on regular CD sounded so detailed, never knew some of those details ever existed!). What I did notice on the preamps, as the price and level of sophistication went up, there are definite improvements along the way. That extra edge of finesses, tighter mid-lower bass, more open midrange & smoother highs with well controlled bass gets better as you go up in price but to me, it was only marginal. The power amps is what made the most biggest significant difference in sound.
Therefore, I would strongly recommend to anyone to focus your spend on the power amplifier, partnering it with any good quality preamp would work just fine. You really don’t need to spend 50 grand just for a top end pre-power combination. Of course for those who can afford anything, a top end preamp would be the ultimate match but I have learnt it is definitely not necessary.
Similar to when I listened to the GAT, GATS2 and my Act2, the improvements were only marginal and therefore to me could not justify the extra dollars, which was quite a fair jump in price. Sure the GATS2 sounds superb and so does the Classic 2Se and so does the ARC Ref6 & LS28 as well...
Since I prefer things to be simple, I really enjoyed the Classic 2SE and it’s built in phono stage, it is a true Classic! The Classic 2SE has that crisp feel to it, the level control and input selector. It has a very strong/solid click as you go through its input selection. It has a superb volume control range that does allow you to set micro levels compared to earlier versions, and most of all it is very musical!
In summary, I did enjoy very much the new ARC system of the GSpre + GS150 combination on the MG3.7i’s. This was a wonderful system to listen to, the synergy was just superb. The CJ-LP125sa does cost less than the GS150, and was also able to drive the maggies quite well. Therefore, if you are looking for something more affordable, the LP125sa will not disappoint. It is probably one of the best power amps CJ has ever produced in the 125w/ch price range. I highly recommend it.
Deciding factor: since I have Quads, the buck stops here! I have had so many problems with these dam stats, and so many wonderful times with them, therefore I am not looking to change these speakers whatsoever. All I can say is that the ARTsa & Classic 2SE was an outstanding combination on the Quads. I could not think of anything more simple, with just two controls and that LED in front, when powered up you know straight away that you’re in for a great ride! Both the line stage and phonostage are super quiet and respond extremely well, compared to other phono stages I’ve used. For those who can afford the top gear, the ET5 or GSpre would be an excellent combination or even the GAT S2 for that matter.
The CJ ARTsa is really all an amplifier can be!
Cheers to those who have the ARTsa, this is one of those best decisions in audio.
RJ
Over the last few months, had the pleasure of listening closely to some well-established names in the industry, and ones that I truly admire. Comparing overall sound & pricing, items listed:
Amplifiers: Conrad Johnson ARTsa, LP125sa, Audio Research Ref75, and GS150
Preamplifiers: CJ ET5, & Classic 2SE (with phono stage) and ARC GSPre
Speaker systems: Quad ESL2905 (my own pair) and Magnepan MG3.7i
Very interesting run this was, especially with Maggies. There weren’t too many amps that could bring out the best in maggies. Basically it was the ARTsa and GS150 that performed superbly well on the MG3.7i. Comparatively, two equally superb sounding amplifiers, matched with top end preamplifiers would probably make the difference.
The Ref75 seemed to struggle on the MG3.7i for some reason, it didn’t quite impress. Compared to my Classic 60SE, it had no problem driving maggies within limits of course. Since I do not listen to loud whatsoever, the Classic 60SE was quite marvellous on the maggies. Reminded me of those glorious days with the Premier 11A & MG3.5/R’
The Ref75 was however fantastic on the Quads, probably the best match overall. It was the most detailed, transparent, powerful and well controlled reproduction I had heard from my Quads to date in this price point. I first partnered it with the ET5 using adaptor cables since the ET5 doesn’t have provision for XLR connections. Even with the adaptors, the sound was mighty fine. Later on I tried the GSpre, which seemed a better synergy but lost that pure CJ airiness and smooth top end that CJ is known for. I could still happily live with the GSpre and Ref75 with the Quads but not on the maggies, the GS150 was a far better amplifier overall.
Driving the maggies with the CJ-LP125sa was not much of a difference either in terms of power. Though the GS150 did prove to be more controlled in the lower bass. The MG3.7i’s seemed to open up more each time more power was driving it. It would virtually react as a horn type speaker with startling transients, soft as a whisper with sudden acceleration of notes in a lightning bolt performance with the GS150. In conclusion, I really preferred this combination on maggies with the GSpre + GS150 amp, super control and sense of depth.
Now for Quads- driving it with the LP125sa and ARTsa once again didn’t seem much of a major difference in terms of power but when it came to that sweet expansive soundstage, along with superb depth and imaging, effortless transient response with the smoothest power & finesse, there really is nothing more of a total enjoyment listening to the ARTsa and Quads- simply superb!
The LP125sa had all the same virtues of that expansive soundstage, depth and imaging, smooth airy highs, extended top end and fantastic midrange, with superb musicality, it's just that the ARTsa takes this to another level.
In terms of preamps, there wasn’t a major difference in performance although there was a huge difference in pricing. The GSpre sounded superb and the simple CJ Classic 2SE was equally good on every recording I played (even Taylor Swift on regular CD sounded so detailed, never knew some of those details ever existed!). What I did notice on the preamps, as the price and level of sophistication went up, there are definite improvements along the way. That extra edge of finesses, tighter mid-lower bass, more open midrange & smoother highs with well controlled bass gets better as you go up in price but to me, it was only marginal. The power amps is what made the most biggest significant difference in sound.
Therefore, I would strongly recommend to anyone to focus your spend on the power amplifier, partnering it with any good quality preamp would work just fine. You really don’t need to spend 50 grand just for a top end pre-power combination. Of course for those who can afford anything, a top end preamp would be the ultimate match but I have learnt it is definitely not necessary.
Similar to when I listened to the GAT, GATS2 and my Act2, the improvements were only marginal and therefore to me could not justify the extra dollars, which was quite a fair jump in price. Sure the GATS2 sounds superb and so does the Classic 2Se and so does the ARC Ref6 & LS28 as well...
Since I prefer things to be simple, I really enjoyed the Classic 2SE and it’s built in phono stage, it is a true Classic! The Classic 2SE has that crisp feel to it, the level control and input selector. It has a very strong/solid click as you go through its input selection. It has a superb volume control range that does allow you to set micro levels compared to earlier versions, and most of all it is very musical!
In summary, I did enjoy very much the new ARC system of the GSpre + GS150 combination on the MG3.7i’s. This was a wonderful system to listen to, the synergy was just superb. The CJ-LP125sa does cost less than the GS150, and was also able to drive the maggies quite well. Therefore, if you are looking for something more affordable, the LP125sa will not disappoint. It is probably one of the best power amps CJ has ever produced in the 125w/ch price range. I highly recommend it.
Deciding factor: since I have Quads, the buck stops here! I have had so many problems with these dam stats, and so many wonderful times with them, therefore I am not looking to change these speakers whatsoever. All I can say is that the ARTsa & Classic 2SE was an outstanding combination on the Quads. I could not think of anything more simple, with just two controls and that LED in front, when powered up you know straight away that you’re in for a great ride! Both the line stage and phonostage are super quiet and respond extremely well, compared to other phono stages I’ve used. For those who can afford the top gear, the ET5 or GSpre would be an excellent combination or even the GAT S2 for that matter.
The CJ ARTsa is really all an amplifier can be!
Cheers to those who have the ARTsa, this is one of those best decisions in audio.
RJ
