Nice one Paul,
An absolute classic!
That type of sound would be very hard to beat. This was that "golden glow" of when CJ was known for... The sheer musicality is superb, very few systems can match it even today.
Obviously as time passes by, circuits become simpler, parts are upgraded and so on... However, down the line in certain models of their latest offerings, including some other well known brands, the overall sound has become far more neutral, less coloured and almost to the point of being sterile. Sometimes when auditioning the newest gear, I find myself lost or should I say somewhat disengaged from the music, and rather focused on the "system"... Looking for that extra detail, analysing every nuance, waiting for that transient burst, judging the speed and transparency and the ultimate resolution on the recording...
Then whenever I hear a system that has a classic vintage pre-power setup from CJ, it just stops me in my tracks, fully immerses you in the sound and once again fully engaged in that sheer musical delight! That sort of enveloping sound and depth of musicality opens up like nothing on earth. The best is as it continues to play, the sound gets warmer, further engages you in a transfix and allows you to relax like no other, to me this is the best it can possibly get as a goal to heighten your experience of well recorded music.
This is the very reason why I have mentioned to a number of CJ fans, hold on to what you've got! Upgrade wherever possible internally before committing to a new piece of gear that may cost 10 - 20 times more, for the simple reason, once that vintage unit is refurbed and fitted with new parts, it can actually surpass the finest gear available both in terms of value and extraordinary musicality.
True that CJ's newest offerings will always remain as the cream of the crop! However, these much older models have a very special kind of sound to them, and when you experience this closely they aren't really that far behind, they're unique in every way.
Cheers to those CJ classic amplifiers! You gotta love it!
Big woof!!! RJ
