2. amps-preamps
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Repair my C-J PV11 or try to replace?

Looking for opinions from people familiar with the sound of an up-to-spec Conrad-Johnson PV11 (w/phono). I have one I bought used here several years ago. The rest of my system is in my profile.

The PV11 needs a little work, and for ~$200, C-J will go over the unit, repair as needed and bring it up to spec.

Money is tight, but I was wondering how an up-to-spec PV11 would compare to budget preamps available today in the $800-$1200 range. My requirements are full function, especially a balance (or L/R volume) control, prefer two tape loops, MM phono input (I suppose I could pick up a budget phono pre if I had to). I am not opposed to defeatable tone controls. I would like (but do not require) remote control and a theater bypass input.

I don't mind buying used, but I don't really have the patience to change preamps a dozen times in order to find good synergy.

I generally like the sound of the PV11 (it's the only glass in my system), and I prefer warmth with detail over analytical, hyper-detailed sound. I am very sensitive to any exaggeration or distortion in the brightness range (4-8kHz). I am fearful that going to a SS pre by Rotel, NAD, Parasound, Arcam, et. al. will result in sonics that I will find too cold, and will worsen the listening fatigue factor in my system.

Musical taste is all over the map, but no rap, new age or opera.

Also bear in mind that my limited audio budget might be better spent improving the digital source gear (Rotel RCD-02 CDP) and/or speakers (Vandersteen 1C w/2Wq subwoofers).

Any informed suggestions and comments would be very appreciated. Thanks in advance.
bondmanp
actung
3 posts
 
I've owned a couple of different CJ preamps, and as far as those with the built-in phono stages, the 11 is my favorite-I liked it as much as the model that was sort of an 'in between' link from their better 5/8/11 series and thier premier models-the PV9. With almost all CJ preamps, you have to remember that they invert in their phono stages-but otherwise, I'd keep this preamp-maybe go from a tape out into a more modern design-but you'd have to spend some quality dollars to get an outboard phono that matched, in my opinion. Then again, there are a lot of really good outboards these days-and if you're looking to simplfy-then maybe a sale, or trade-in, might go. If it was me-I'd keep/repair it, as long as it was under 400.00 or so to do that.
Cheers,
Mike
mrmitch
359 posts
 
Definitely a vote here to keep the CJ and repair it. I have used a CJ PV-5 since I bought it new in 1986. Had CJ go over it about 5 years ago, they replaced the caps and power supply for $450.00. Has the same CJ sound I love, maybe a little less of the caramel tone and a little more clear now. This preamp has never given me one moment's trouble- obviously save a tube going microphonic after years of use.--Mrmitch
bondmanp OP
1,818 posts
 
Thanks again, all. I did indeed send my PV-11 to Virginia for repair and refresh. Turn-around was about two weeks. The line-stage tubes were replaced, a stripped case-screw replaced, all contacts were cleaned and unit was tested. Total bill, including return shipping was about $225. Extremely reasonable, IMHO. Most of the issues I had were fixed, save the apparent channel balance drift, which I am beginning to think may be an acoustic issue with my room.

Tried it out last night, and everything sounds fine. C-J is a pleasure to deal with. If I had the money, I would consider one of their tube amps for sure.
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