conrad johnson tube amps opinion

[ANirenb703]

I am considering changing my power amp and am looking for some
opinions regarding Conrad Johnson tube power amps. I am presently
using an Audio Research D70 mk2 ( 50 watts/ch tube 6550 outputs) but
would like to use something that is more involving. The D70 , does
some things very well but never leaves me satisfied and is a bit
sterile and analytical. They are also not very user friendly with
respect to biasing the output tubes. I've heard that the CJ amps may
well be just what I'm looking for.

My power requirements are modest as speaker efficiency is 90 db,
impedence 4 ohm. I use a B&W subwoofer to handle most everything
below 60 Hz.

I've read most of the stuff out there regarding the Conrad Johnson
MV-50, MV-52, MV55, and Premier 11a. What I've sensed from what I've
read is that the MV series using EL34 output tubes have a glorious
midrange and see-through quality about them while the premier 11a (
6550 tubes)gives up some of this for additional bass control and
slam.

I'd really appreciate input from anyone that has had any experience
with these amps, especially someone who has upgraded from an MV
series amp to the Premiere 11a. Was it worth the extra $$$. I have
also heard of a new model MV60 that apparently has the best features
of both the MV series and the Premiere 11a . Anyone heard this one
yet?

The rest of my system :

Linn LP12 , Modified Rega RB 300 Arm, Benz Ref Silver Mk2
BAT VK 3i preamp with built in phono board
CAL Aria MK 3 CD Player
Snell E.5 Tower Speakers
B&W Powered 12" sub

[Terry Zagar]

One more thing ... be aware that c-j equipment is all single-ended.
It would be a waste not to use the balanced outputs on your BAT. :)

Terry

[Terry Zagar]

I haven't had the opportunity to compare the different c-j tube amps
to one another, but rest assured that I'm in no hurry to trade my
Premier Eleven-A. To my ears, it provides provides excellent
resolution of inner detail, lots of drive capability, and great
dynamics combined with lots of musical enjoyment and pace. I seem to
recall that Sam Tellig of Stereophile favored the MV55 over the
Eleven-A ( but then he also recommended Armor-All treatment of CDs :)
The Eleven-A has been discontinued as has the MV55, with the MV60
replacing both in the c-j line-up.

You didn't say whether you originally liked the D70 or not, but before
you trade it in, check the number of hours on the tubes in the amp
(and in the preamp (and CD player?)) ... it's surprising what a new
set of tubes can do for musical enjoyment. ;)

Regards,

Terry

[DOA9]

>s a bit
>> sterile and analytical. They are also not very user friendly with
>> respect to biasing the output tubes. I've heard that the CJ amps may
>> well be just what I'm looking for

Yep there are easy to bias but even if you needed to get out your
meter, it would be worth it. I have the Premier 12 mono blocks hooked
up to a pair of 3.6R maggies. Pre amp is also CJ in the 16LS. The
whole set up is pure magic. The bass is way more than I expected and
my big Velo sub sits idle untill I fire up the home theater. I chased
this sound this set up produces for years and finally I have it in my
living room. Very satisfing! I could try to describe it hear but you
really must hear it for your self. If you live in Eastern PA,, let me
know.

[Uptown Audio]

I think that you would like the C-Jbased upon your comments about the
AR unit. What I have found is that over years of listening to
different components is that I end up with the most transparent ones
again. Finding nice things in each of the various tubed amplifiers
that I have owned, I have yet to find one that is remotely affordable
that does it all. The 6550 or KT88 based units seem to get the
closest to that goal as they do offer the control and bass power with
low distortion as do large solid state units. They also offer very
neutral midrange and treble reproduction. They can be expensive to
operate. An alternative would be to use a 100 watt or so amplifier on
the woofers and the 50w EL34 based amplifier on the upper registers.
That also allows some flexibility for adjustment of the levels to get
it right if you have a room problem(who doesn't?). A large 100w KT88
amp may be the end-all amp for you and the BAT unit that uses that
funky Russian tube also sounds very nice. I would expect it to be a
very good mate with your preamp.
- Bill
http://www.uptownaudio.com
(540) 343-1250

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