Cellorover I’m running Mullard xf2’s which makes a huge difference. Gives that amp it’s clarity and a sophisticated sound it needs kind of like mellow Teflon caps or a little upgrade. Luckily I have a stash of very nice 6922’s and 7308’s. That 6922 slot has a big impact on the CJ. But not as much as what those xf2’s do. I had a BAT preamp long ago I think it took 12 or 14 preamp tubes, what a pain to retube and I didn’t even like the amp. I like simple things now.
Conrad Johnson Classic 120se vs. Linear Tube Audio 40 Reference Amps
Hi All -
I have started a few threads lately and owe many of you responses to questions. Most recently, I asked about system synergy after plugging a Conrad Johnson ART150 and finding out it didn’t quite deliver what I had hoped.
To the point, I am looking for a power tube amp with warmth, air and decay. I’m looking for an ethereal quality and not focused on bass response per se.
My current system:
Innuos ZENith
Merason Dac1
Linear Tube Audio MicroZotl preamp
Audio Hungary 100 watt power amp (out for repair, unfortunately)
Puritan 136 Filter
QLN prestige three speakers (8 ohm, 87.5 sensitivity)
Cardas Clear Cygnus speaker cables
Cardas Clear Power
Room is very large with high ceilings (11 feet)
The system above achieves an incredible sound to my ears - ethereal, insanely good imaging and a holographic quality, lots of air, with notes hanging in the air in a way I’ve rarely experienced. My challenge is I keep having maintenance issues with the Qualiton amp and want to have a backup amp when it’s out for repair.
I’m NOT looking for a neural sound. I have realized, for my tastes, I want an amp that facilitates a relaxing experience.
I recently demoed the Conrad Johnson ART amp and found it sounded incredibly neutral to my ears. Almost like a solid state amp…
My question to everyone, given my tastes, how would the LTA 40 Reference with Mullard tubes or the Conrad Johnson 120se sound?
I love the combo of the LTA preamp with the Qualiton amp because you get both detail and a tube tone. But I’m wondering if the LTA 40 Reference might be too SS sounding? Likewise, based on my experience with Conrad Johnson ART 150, will I find the Classic 120se also too neutral sounding - lacking what I understood the CJ warmth of glow I had hoped for?
Your feedback is much welcomed.
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@paulcreed @cellorover @marco1 @jjss49 Thank you all for your replies.
@jjss49 - Would you be so kind to indulge me with your opinion on the EL34 tube sound? I’ve been reading about it and I’m really curious. I love an airy and bloomy sort of sound with, ideally, as much decay as possible. I guess I’m a sucker for reverb and an ethereal sound. Something tells me that might not be what the EL34 tube is, but I’m curious what it might be. @marco1 - thanks for pulling all those comments from the CJ forum site. I’m very intrigued by the EL34 tube now. Per my question to @jjss49 im wondering what that tube sounds like.
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