Conrad Johnson Premier 350 ss vs Premier 140 tube

Jerry

Yes those are massive amps. The problem is my racking /entertainment center configuration doesn't give me any space for mon-blocs. Plus my wife isn't to accepting of this hobby and having large monblocs sitting on the floor would not appeal to her. Even the 140 is going to cause issues that I would have to address as it creates a lot of heat and needs good ventilation. The 350 would be much easier for me as it would simply sit were my 2500 does today. And I don't believe there are any heat issues with the 350 there certainly isn't with my 2500.

I agree with the other posters concerning the beauty of the older (now discontined) premier monoblocs. I loved my premier 11 and I am sure the 12's and the 8's for that matter were even better.

Chuck

I have owned the 7.2s driven by a Classe Omega Omicron (excellent combination), and now have the Premier 140 driving VSA VR-4 G3 SEs. I'm sure the 140 would sound very nice with either the 3.6s or 7.2s, although I would have some reservations myself knowing that I listen to a lot of rock and large scale classical at 85+ db. Thiels just love (quality) power. That said I am enjoying my Premier 140 immensely.

Tom_munro

Did you have the 140 driving the Thiel 7.2's? If so how was it? How did the 7.2's compare to what you have now?

I know Thiels love power which is why I am concerned with the 140. And why Pops is enjoying the Mac 501's driving his 3.6's. I listen to primarily Classical and Female Jazz vocals but not at extremely hig volume levels. Thanks to everyone responding to this thread.

Chuck

Chuck

Chuck, I've only had the 140 for a month or so. When I auditioned the 140 at the dealer it was driving a pair of B&W N802s which are known to be a power hungry speaker. I thought the 140 drove the N802s quite well. The 140 replaced a pair of JC-1s in my system.

The VR-4s don't have the same scale, transparency, or precise soundstaging that the 7.2s have, but in many respects the VR-4s are less analytical, easier to listen to, and have equal or better dynamic capabilities.

Jerry

Do the Mac's generate a lot of heat? You've got me thinking along those lines as well. I love tube amps but the heat and maintainence issues are a concern as is the power output. The premier 350 and the mc501's are very similar in price. My local CJ dealer also sells Mac and he told me there should not be any impedence matching issues between my 16 and the Mac's. However as I get more serious about purchasing I will call both companies to confirm. He also commented that they do not and will not stock either the mc501's nor the premier 350 so demoing them is not possible. Something about the two channel market being to limited in this area (Detroit) given the price of these amps.

Chuck