2. amps-preamps
  3. 185426-179779

Conrad Johnson Classic 120se vs. Cary Audio Design CAD120 MKII?

Hi All -

I'm looking to purchase an American made tube power amplifier of at least 100 watts. Looking to purchase new as I'm keen on a warranty. If I do have issues, I'd really like to be able to have a US-based manufacturer be able to address any repairs issues. 

Not interested in mono-blocks due to space constraints and my wife's aversion to more stuff in the living room. 

I'm ready to pull the trigger on the Conrad Johnson Classic 120se. 

I have, however, realized that Cary Audio makes a 120 watt tube amp that is about half the price of the Conrad Johnson 120SE model I'm ready to purchase. 

My question to you: 

Does anyone have familiarity with these two models? In terms of sound quality, is the Conrad Johnson worth the extra cost? In terms of reliability, can anyone share their experience with these two brands? Is there a difference in house sound? 

 

I terms of my own preferences, I'm looking for air, openness, warmth and an holographic sound. 

I really appreciate your feedback! 

My gear: 

Cardas clear power and speaker cables 
Puritan 136 purifier 
Innuous ZENith music server 
Merason DAC1 
Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp 
Currently using a Audio Hungary 100 Watt tube power amp 


Fingers crossed someone can provide perspective on Conrad Johnson vs. Cary Audio 




 

bluethinker66
ghdprentice
7,019 posts
 

On contemporary gear I don’t think I could coach… but you have two excellent amps in your sights.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,148 posts
 

I have no experience with those two particular amps. But in the past I’ve owned a Cary SLP-98 and and SLI-80 Signature. I’ve also owned CJ Premiere 17LS and a Premiere 140. As I type this I’m listening to a loaner MV-60.  I much prefer the modern CJ sound to the Cary sound. Just MHO…

bluethinker66 OP
42 posts
 

@ghdprentice - Thank you for your reply. If you are able to offer historical perspective on the house sounds of either Cary or CJ, I'd welcome learning from you! 

@ozzy62 - I'd love to hear your perspective on the modern CJ sound. Likewise, I'm curious about the Cary sound is too. I don't have any dealers where I live (Portland, Oregon), so I've not yet had the opportunity to hear either of them in person. 

decooney
2,031 posts
 

@bluethinker66 by chance have you heard any of the older gear from Cary or older generation components from CJ?

The reason I ask is I’ve owned multiple Cary units and friends with CJ who own both. Personally I’ve listened to more of the older version units vs the more modern ones. In fact, we’ve been in discussion this week about this particular topic.

I can share the Cary 120 is going to sound a little different than some some of the other Cary units folks have mentioned here. And, the same goes for the latest "se" version of CJ too. I’d recommend visiting the conradjohnson owners forum too.

My recommendation is you take extra time to speak with owners of both on phone calls and discuss in more detail sharing with them more about type of sound you enjoy more - the older lush sound or the newer modern sound some of these units have, fwiw. A buddy of mine just received his older version CJ unit today, preferring it over some of the newer SE designs as one example. We agreed one thing, "it all comes down to preference, and newer designs are not always better for everyone".

mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 

Is there any reason the Rogue Audio Stereo 100 isn’t added to the CJ, Cary list of American made 100wpc tube power amps?

More to discover