The ART series amplifiers from CJ are in a class of their own, just superb! When looking at other tube gear of similar makes and their build quality, considering their exorbitant pricing, CJ's price range isn't too shabby at all. Top value and top dollar, it doesn't disappoint at this level. The ART27A is a beautiful thing, a true work of Art! Without a doubt!
From this particular line, starting with the ART27A, ART150, ART300's and the ART108A's (my favorite of all time), the moment I heard these amplifiers, from that very first note during the audition, I knew straight away JF has hit this design way out of the park. After having released the previous ART series 1, which was the ARTsa and the ART monoblocks, then of course their original ART preamp (two chassis preamp), which was a joy to own, and considering CJ's Premier and LP series amplifiers, they had to introduce something very extraordinary. So that Classic tube circuit was handed over to Jeff and when he took full ownership of the brand, he was then able to really focus his efforts on the Class A/AB topology by using Push-pull in Ultra-Linear pentode design. This particular design laid out the foundation to introduce two very different sets of amplifiers: ART27A and ART108A both operating in Class A and the ART150 and ART300's operating in Class AB. This particular ART series gear is in a class of its own, it's not even funny! To surpass any of these models in terms of overall power, musicality with finesse, it will cost a bloody fortune! Even then only a handful can compare and in certain cases might not even come close.
I forgot to mention two other units that compliment this ART series, the newest ART preamp (all tube design no SS buffered stages) and the ART Phono-preamp. I haven't heard the ART phono-preamp as yet, will do so in early Feb or March. However, I did get a chance to audition the ART preamp, that was an awe-inspiring experience.
This latest ART series is produced only in limited numbers... so if you really can afford these stunning pieces of audio ART, without going broke or getting thrown into the Dog house, with their pure Class A tube craftsmanship, you'll be set for life! SOTA at its finest level.
Cheers and do enjoy those finest tunes!
Woofty woof'n!!!
RJ