2. amps-preamps
  3. 119241-73122

Conrad Johnson CAV 50

Just acquired this beauty from my father in law. I've never owned a tube amp, so not sure if I should sell it, or keep it and pay him. Anyway, a question for you tube heads. One of the EL34 tubes in slot V7 ( a tube which can have it's bias adjusted, which I assume means the power transmitted) has it's red light constantly on. I turned the bias all the way down and it still flickers. However, I noticed that my left speaker sounded blown/distorted. When I turned the bias up, the distortion decreased. The instructions say to turn the bias down/counter clockwise, until the red light goes out. But, if I do this, it sounds bad. So, my question is this. Is it simply a tube I need to replace to fix that problem, and if I change one tube, should I change them all. Next question is I searched for the EL34 tubes and of course there are a large variety of them. Any thoughts. To me the amp sounds little bright with the Celstion SL6's I am using, so any warmer tubes would be nice. Also, if I were to sell this setup, any idea on what I might ask on pricing? Thanks.
Roly
rolyasm
rolyasm OP
14 posts
 
Reading some reviews, here are some of the speakers tested with the system that people have enjoyed.  It is an old amp and all of the speakes look 1985-2000 range. Maybe this will help keep the cost down, but I doubt it.  Royal Reference 3A,  KEF 104/2,  Rogers LS3/5A speakers,  Totem Model 1 Signature,  Thiel 2 2's,  QUAD ESL 57's,  B&W N805s,  ProAc 2000 Signature speakers,  ProAc 2s,  ProAc response 1SC's,  B&W DM610
Anything new anyone would recommend? 
rolyasm OP
14 posts
 
On another note, I am getting a mid-grade record player fixed and the CJ doesn't have any phono plugs/ground. Is there an affordable solution? 
bradwbradley
14 posts
 
I would also see if you can swing a pair of used KEF LS50 monitors that have a pretty good low end for monitors (is Stereophile Recommended Component Class A rated in a category that has many $5K+ speaker listed).  Can get for as low as $999 used (currently $1200 + $45 S/H with free $279 stands), new for $1500.  Try to get as much as you can the first go round to obtain highest performing products to delay future upgrades.  If full range is your desired path, their are the Monitor Audio Silver 8s (new $2000 (free shipping, no tax) or used $1400 with $200+ S/H) that are Full-Range Class B recommended.  If you live near Dayton, OH, can get the used version via local pickup to avoid S/H. 
rolyasm OP
14 posts
 
So I am getting my record player back today. Should sound great. I am in need of a pre amp for it and wondering if I should go with a Tube Phono preamp and how that might interact with my CJ. Looks like they start around $180, whereas some of the SS ones go for $50. I would really like to keep it around $200, but willing to go more if the opinions are that it will make a  big difference. 
rolyasm OP
14 posts
 
Also, BradwBradley, I see the sensitivity of the Kef LS50 is 85. Is that going to work well with my amp that doesn't put out a ton of power? 
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