ET5

About the ET5

The Conrad-Johnson ET5 Enhanced Triode Preamplifier is a line-stage design derived from the company's flagship GAT, offering similar circuit concepts in a more compact and affordable chassis. It uses a single triode gain stage (tube complement: 1 x 6922) feeding a high-current MOSFET buffer to achieve very low output impedance (100 ohms), allowing the ET5 to comfortably drive long interconnects and a wide range of power amplifiers. The audio circuits are powered by discrete voltage regulators with DC filaments for the tube to minimize hum and infra-sonic noise. Input selection and the 100-step level control (approximately 0.7 dB per step) are implemented via microprocessor-controlled relays. A Theater Mode provides unity-gain pass-through for home theater integration. Built with CJD Teflon capacitors for output coupling, metal foil resistors, and no electrolytic capacitors in the audio circuits. The ET5 weighs 28 lbs and measures 19" W x 15.375" D x 4.94" H. Production ended around 2017.