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CJ PV-12 mods & upgrades by Bob & Gary Backert

I recently shipped my 15 year old CJ PV-12 preamp to Bob & Gary Backert of RHB Sound Design to have a few modifications and upgrades installed on the CJ.

My very first conversation I had with Bob was very enlighten to say the least. I informed Bob, I would be using the CJ PV-12 preamp for my phono stage only with the VTL 7.5 preamp. To make a long story short Bob & Gary completed their modifications on the line stage, phono stage, caps, gold/silver wire, power supply & IEC conversion.

Father & son went further to build a custom head amp stage, to increase the gain so I would have the ability to use a Dynavector 0.3mV. The technical construction completed by Gary is flawless and his soldering skills are impeccable. Gary’s workmanship is actually beautiful to look at. This is one heck of a father and son team.

Bob suggested that I listen to the CJ’s line stage before strictly using it as my phone stage only. So agreed to listen and it was magical.

If I could only use one word to describe the performance of my CJ PV-12 with RHB Sound Dezign’s modifications that word would be “Heavenly.”

The bass the highs the lows the midrange the vocals the sound stage the imaging have all vastly improved and it’s so much more transparent, liquid. and dynamic.

For the record I have not listen to the VTL since I setup the CJ, simply because the CJ is blowing it away. I know some of you may find this hard to believe but if I didn’t hear it for myself I would not believe it. The CJ’s dynamic linearity is stellar in all aspects. Well I guess I’ll be boxing up the VTL getting it ready for RHB Sound Dezign modifications and upgrades.

The CJ will be performing constantly for the next week or so to allow the V-Caps, wiring and all modifications to break-in nice & smooth for my musical enjoyment.
Bob & Gary, keep up the great work you are truly the man.
jmo
jmo OP
115 posts
 
John,

You hit the nail right on the head some manufactures take short cuts. How much more would it cost them to use the better components right from the start? Pennies on a dollar.

I have a 16 year old Conrad Johnson Motif MS 2001 amp their entry into SS back in the early 90's... They used high-end caps and components, it's very well made piece of equipment. I still use it till this day the amp is bullet proof. I plan on shipping it to Bob & Gary to have power supply, IEC upgraded and gold silver wire installed. If I could get another Motif MS 2001 I would use them as mono blocks. That's how much I like that amp. The good it's going to be much improved when I send it to RHB Sound Dezign.
lenkevy
15 posts
 
Appreciate the input very much. I'll probably make the investment sometime soon.
jmo OP
115 posts
 
Lenkevy,

It will be money well spent. Enjoy the music.
jmo OP
115 posts
 
With the addition of the Mullard NOS tubes Bob & Gary Backert's modifications are that much better. "Wow"
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Yup, G.& B.Backert......are Bob mods overrated ???
Absolutly not. Worht it ??? Yep. Would I do it again ???
Yes I would. Will I hear the difference ??? You will not only hear it but you will also feel it.
After Bob's modifications, my Consonance Cyber 800 turn into the monster and it is one of my favorite components in my system and I doubt that I will ever put it up for sell. It became the conversation piece and those who heard them agree that it is on par with the best.......whatever that means. I believe that it would be impossible for me to find a better amp for less the 10K......or even more. There is nothing that I can think of that could possibly improve the sound of Cybers except PC and tubes.......like Mullards for exemple.
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