Repair or mod CJ PV-12?



The transformer on my Conrad Johnson PV-12 bit the dust. I'm debating whether or not to send it to CJ for repair, or off to get mods and a new transformer. If the mods included a transformer upgrade, that would be a fantastic choice.

Some people here have had good luck with mods, could they provide who did them; from what I've heard they got fantastic results.

Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
orpheus10

While it's very unusual for a transformer to go bad it happened, one of the windings went open. This was very easy to confirm with an ohm meter. Replacing the transformer would be a piece of cake, especially since I left the color coded wires attached and dangling off their terminations.

After I direct CJ to this site, and they see what you guys think about them not selling me a transformer, we'll see if they have a change of heart.

Thanks for your support.

Detredwings, you brought up a very valid point, the "CJ glow" as we called it, is special, and does not exist on current models; they went to that sterile sound the reviewers decided was best. As we know, trombones sound "trombonier" and saxes sound "saxier" with these older CJ units; they seem to be especially voiced for jazz. While mods might give a better sound stage, there is the possibility of losing the "CJ glow".

I always come out ahead when I come to this forum for advice, while mods are a fantastic bargain in most cases, and could be in this case as well if you're not tuned to the elusive "CJ glow" that seems to be special for jazz.

Maybe after CJ see's this forum, they'll realize it's to their advantage to sell me the transformer.

Frogman, it's good to hear from you! I found George on "you tube", and he's pretty good on bass for a guy who builds amplifiers.

Thanks for your input.
FWIW, when I used to use c-j gear, I found c-j very good to do business with regard to repairs and maintenance.
I am amazed at how often this so-called "Audiophile Grade" stuff fails. And Audiophiles, being gluttons for punishment, always come back for more.

Cut your losses and Just drop that useless thing off at Goodwill, and get you a Marantz Integrated or Harman Kardon Receiver. And don't forget Emotiva!! Trane, Miles and his Mama, will still sound just as good.

One Frenchman's Opinion.

Cheers