2. amps-preamps
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Anyone compare Conrad Premier to Rogue?

I currently have a Rogue 88/66 Magnum combo powering my MartinLogan Aeons. Getting into tubes has been a revelation, and now I am considering taking a plunge into a Conrad Johnson Premier 17/140 combo. Unfortunately, my only Conrad dealer doesn't stock either, so I can't compare them to my Rogue setup. With the Rogue, sometimes to get a sense of dynamic swing, especially with DVD concert movies, I need to turn up the volume quite loud, and that drives my husband nuts. I thought the additional power of the Conrad might help in that regard. I've also heard Conrad has better bass, but I have no benchmark to compare it to. Any feedback appreciated.
arafel
arafel OP
32 posts
 
I sort of understood that the CJ was superior, but I was wondering to what degree? Also, if you could only do one at a time, would you do the 17LS or the Premier 140 first? What would make the biggest difference, given the rest of the chain?
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Is there any way you could home audtion both and decide for yourself which one to upgrade to first? The reason I say this is because you are now asking a question that is very much a system specific one.
arafel OP
32 posts
 
See above; only local CJ dealer doesn't carry the 140.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Comparing these 2 amps AIN'T system specific. One is clearly just a better amp---period.(After all they are BOTH TUBES)You may need good ancillary gear to go with; to hear how good one is over the other.(I'll bet a fairly simple system will reveal the differences as well.)
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Ahh, you missed my point Avguygeorge, my fault. I was trying to address the second-reponse question Arafel had as to which component to upgrade first, and like a dummy I didn't fully absorb Arafel's situation in his first of the no home-audition 140 option. The "system dependence" factor I was trying to get at was whether to start with the pre or the amp first because it seemed Arafel could not purchase both simultaneously. I agree with you that the cj 140 is superior to the Rogue 88 amp and that this conclusion isn't system dependent.

My suggestion is that 1) if you're headed toward cj nirvana anyway, why not demo the 17LS first and see of this makes a difference. If you appreciate and like the difference, buy that and then when you have $$$$, purchase the 140. That will put the final(?) icing on the cake so to speak.
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