Convergent Audio JL2 Triod Amp MK II Upgrade


JL2 stereo amps manfactured in 2004 and later have incorprated a power supply upgrade similar to the CAT Ultimate preamp upgrade for the mark II stauts according to Ken stevens. The new upgrade on the JL2 has not offically be called the MK II becaucse Ken does not like to change names very often but the new amps being produced now are superior to the pre 2004 models that were manfactured by Convergent Audio. Ken indicated that with the upgraded JL2 the sound is purer and more transparent than the earlyer produced amp. The cost of the upgrade is $1000.

I found this out when I had to send my JL2 back to the factory to replace some resistors that went bad. In the process of fixing the amp he offered me the upgrade which I accepted because it was already there. This is the first problem I have had with the JL2 in 2 1/2 years I have owned it. The fix also replaces the resitors and adds (4) more to make it far less likely to happen again something that is also incorprated on the new model of the JL2. Ken Stevens told me the JL2 does not use any fuses to protect the large transformer and instead uses (10) resistors for a purer and more vibrant sound compaired to fuses which are more commonly used on tube amps such as the Jasis Defy 7.

I will post my impression of the upgrade once I recieve it back and get some time to listen to the difference.

John
42659
The problem with the resistors seems to have happened with most of the JL-2's. It's a great sounding amp, but when I had to pack up a 175 lb beheamoth, and wait over a month for it to come back,
I had to ask myself if it was worth it. I decided no, and have found happiness, and wonderful customer service with Vladimir Lamm.
Peace of mind, and a responsive manufacturer go a long way when it comes to enjoying one's system.
I agree the original (6) resistors on the JL2 have been a problem with some amps as I recently found out. The resistors fail rather than damage the very expensive input power transformer in the rear. Ken recently altered the design of the CAT JL2 to include (10) resistors which he believes will very greatly reduce the occurance of failure. Other than this one problem the amp the JL2 has preformed flawless for over 2 years.

JM
I also have same problem with my JL2, and am not very happy with the customer service at CAT. Returning phone calls or respond to email is not their forte.
Nkta