Repair or mod CJ PV-12?

I picked up a PV9a recently for a quite reasonable cost and after much research and several phone calls decided to send it to Bill Thalmann of Sound Technologies in Virginia. He was the number 3 guy, technical director at CJ from their inception in the late 70's until he left around 2000.

I also called CJ. They are not as flexible about their modifications as Bill who is also a really nice guy. CJ is also considerably more expensive and I don't feel the young guy I spoke with has the knowledge or feel for these vintage designs as someone who has been around as long as Bill. Bob Backert in PA might also be someone to consider. I'll let you know Orpheus when I get the unit back as to the results, probably a few weeks. I would call CJ, Bill and Bob and find out your options before proceeding with anything.

It really depends what you want to do with the unit and if you are wanting to save money. For a tech that is familiar with tube gear,replacing the transformer is not very difficult. Replacing the transformer with a different will possible require new holes to mount the transformer. The schematic for your unit is available on line.

As far as upgrading the unit, the only thing I would replace is the capacitors and resistors in the signal path. If you look at the schematic I could easily point those out to you.

Changing parts with change the sound signature of the piece of gear and will not help the resale. If your going to keep it, I would recommend just swapping out the transformer and if desired, changing a few capacitors and resistors in the phono stage and a and couple more in the line stage.

You can of course spend a extra money and have someone that's experienced with the unit do the mods for you.

All good points Detredwings, I agree. It is why I decided to go with Bill who completely understands my goals and is going along the lines you described along with a few other things that should enhance performance in the areas I felt lacking without changing the character of the design.

Tubegroover and Detredwings, thanks for the invaluable advice; I would replace the transformer my self if I could find one. CJ won't sell one, and I don't know where else to go.

Since the mod people can probably get a transformer, that could be included with the mod. CJ was not specific enough for me; while their minimum for inspecting the unit wasn't bad, there was no guarantee in regard to repair. There have been complaints (not against CJ) about no follow through after submitting up front money. New scams seem to be contagious and they come in waves.

I'll contact Bill Thalman in Virginia, and we'll keep each other posted on progress; thanks a lot.