Various CJ Upgrades

[Big Dog RJ]

Yes, selling a pair of carefully used & well looked after Premier 8's is quite different to a pair that was just recently checked & serviced by CJ... If I was an interested buyer, I would opt for the serviced & checked by CJ.

Selling these in 98/99 was just as difficult, since they were CJ's flagship model. Top of the line gear is only sought afyer by two camps:
1. Those who know and understand the top tier stuff.
2. Those with the money!

I think during that time, we only sold one or two pairs but quite a number of Prem11's & Prem12's comparatively. Trying to sell these huge things now, will require only a person who really knows CJ and is looking for that kind of classic vintage gear. I would buy these in an instant, simply because I'm very passionate about CJ tube gear. However, I've already got monoblocks and specialised modded ones that can outclass most of the modern stuff out there. So, there's no point in owning these much older amps, unless I was setting up a second or third system. The other thing to consider is the tube maintenance cost, 16 output tubes and 12 smaller tubes takes a toll... and now I can clearly understand why the OP wants to part these off, also keeping in mind he's already got Ayre monoblocks that are capable of driving his Maggie's.

Yep, this is not one of those typical tube amps that you pick up and just plonk them anywhere, plug and play, nah. These are for the specialist tube connoisseur... good luck and all the best!
Cheers, RJ

[AnotherJohnson]

It isn’t hard to sell stuff below $2k/piece.

But once you go higher, the number who can write the check, and are also willing to write the check, diminishes.

Guys ask $7k and up for some of these old amps. There are a lot of other options at that price point and above.

I will have the same problem when I sell my LP275s. I might think they’re worth $10k, but I doubt that any buyers would agree.

[DayRadebaugh]

Absolutely right. Even the average prices you see out there are misleading.

[admin]

It's like atmosphere, the higher you go, the less there is of it. Most people own a piece of stereo equipment that cost $200, very few above $2000, and very very very few above $20k. Fewer buyers means less competition and bidding (typically).

I've always found it easier to sell my cheapest gear. Last example was my Schiit Modius. I sold it for literally a 5% discount below new prices ($200). I was amazed how quickly it sold and for the amount. My CJ Evolution 2000, that took a long time and much less interest despite that one is ok quality and the other is a masterpiece of audio engineering.

[Big Dog RJ]

Yes, very true on selling older/ top quality gear, always a hard sell. However, the average stuff certainly goes! I just sold two sets of three Apollo glass shelves that I didn't have the use of any longer, since I upgraded all my audio racks to Solid Steel.

Both sets went for under $300, the last one was just picked up today! The fact that these people are on the look out for the very affordable stuff is a definite fact! Hence, the very reason why I don't want to take up the dealership of CJ or ML again, after all these years...

How many am I going to sell at over 10 grand a piece? Honestly? I'm even surprised our CJ importer is still in business, given the fact they don't even answer phone calls in Melbourne any more and those Mullards (M8080's) that I ordered "last year" June, never showed up! I think the boat sank...

Selling the highend was very different back in the 70's to the early 90"s. Now it's all about the deep wallets, big bank accounts and those products that are highly advertised. You know, the ones that take the front, inner & back covers of TAS, STfile & so on... when these are advertised, the top boys with the big toys see these as a "must have" item, and nothing less. Really not sure where the highend market is heading...

I truly hope the new generation of audiophiles know what to listen for when it comes to real music or shall I say recorded music. After all, that's what it is!

I really think the Prem 8's are truly worth even 10grand and shouldn't be sold for anything less! But sadly this won't be the case. They're legendary amplifiers in every sense of the term Classic highend tube gear. I owned both versions, the 8 & 8a's, partnered with the original ART pre driving Apogee Diva's, absolutely stunning! Back then though...

Cheers to the Premier 8's!
RJ

[Q3Di]

I still love my legendary Prem 8A's with Teflon upgrade and the ARTII Pre driving Maggies 3.7.
I think the Prem 8A's are the best looking CJ amp with champagne top plate. I would not let these beauties go, I won't be able to find the equivalent build quality with the money I get from selling these.
The first time I stepped into the high-end store in NYC in 90s and I was in love with CJ sound. Nostalgia and classic CJ sound are my reference and I hesitate to let these go unless I have hearing problem and no longer interested in listening to music.

[DayRadebaugh]

I know how you feel. I hate to let them go, but don't really have a use for them at the moment. Just hope to find a good home. I've done all I can with the amps and preamps to ensure that the buyer gets a viable item.

[Big Dog RJ]

I still love my legendary Prem 8A's with Teflon upgrade and the ARTII Pre driving Maggies 3.7.
I think the Prem 8A's are the best looking CJ amp with champagne top plate. I would not let these beauties go, I won't be able to find the equivalent build quality with the money I get from selling these.
The first time I stepped into the high-end store in NYC in 90s and I was in love with CJ sound. Nostalgia and classic CJ sound are my reference and I hesitate to let these go unless I have hearing problem and no longer interested in listening to music.

Maaate! That is the best news I've heard to date. Like I said, those are legendary classic amplifiers! There's a another here down unda, who's using his Prem8A's to drive the big Wilson's. His Prem8A's have been upgraded with Teflons, Vishays and KT120's, and now the Wilson's sound a whole lot better! Very realistic soundstage and scale, it's pretty awesome. Goes to show with a bit of careful attention and thought out internal upgrades, that's the best it can get. Spending truck loads more... I don't see the point.

Now that's a mighty WOOF!!!
Enjoy those fine tunes! RJ

[DayRadebaugh]

Finally ready to sell my Prem 14 and Prem 8's. See https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649 ... dium=email