2. amps-preamps
  3. 130301-2227

VAC vs Conrad Johnson Amps?

I have had my Conrad Johnson Premier 12 140w/side tube monoblocks for many years and loved them.  Essentially they sound to me like Michael Fremer had described them in his long-ago review:  the CJ tube magic, with zest, power and control.  They've been able to drive pretty much every pair of speakers I've had, large or small.

At the same time I've always had some lust for the VAC amplifiers.  It started long ago when I heard VAC amps make Thiels sound like I'd never heard them before - liquid, astonishingly transparent and musical.  I managed to get much of this with my CJ amps paired with my Thiel 3.7s (and other speakers), but given that transcendent moment with VAC, and knowing how many of the highest end speaker manufacturers choose to use VAC and display their speakers with VAC amps, I'm left wondering "What If..."

I see people happy with amps like the phi 200 but I sometimes see the Phi 300.1 become available second hand (the only way I could afford that one).  It's 150W per side vs my CJ 140W, and I've read the VAC has good reputation for bass performance (I like good bass control) and driving many big speakers.  I wonder if any of the possible quality of the VAC would be off-set by the purportedly better separation you get with monoblocks - e.g. my CJs.

As I mentioned, I'm currently using Thiel 3.7s, with some 2.7s arriving soon, but I also own MBL 121s and like to keep my options open.  I'm also interested in the Joseph Audio Perspective speakers so would want an amp that has good grip on ported speakers as well.  I wonder what I may gain, and/or what I might lose, going for a VAC phi 200 or especially the 300.1, vs my CJ Premier 12s.

Anyone who has helpful experience to contribute, please do so!  Thanks!


prof
prof OP
3,474 posts
 
mechans,

I'm investigating the idea of a VAC amp, but not sure I want to make that investment yet, which is why I'm seeking the experience of others.  The buy-and-try price is very hefty for us Canadians!

I do prefer Thiels on tubes (having heard them on both SS and tubes).

zipost,

I'm confused by your post.  What do you mean the specs are not close?
The wattage is almost the same.  And it's very strange to read someone saying CJ's don't have "sweetness" when that is one of their main features.  As for power...I kept reading the VAC is very powerful.
And I con't have a VAC so can't "stick with it."

Sorry...can't make heads or tales of what you wrote, could you be a little more clear?  Thank you.


zipost's avatar
zipost
198 posts
 
Put both amp specs side by side comparison: The CJ Premier series is an old series ( old technology), that amp runs on Class A & B design, not pure class A.   The phi series 200 or 300 is a class A amp design, not only it’s a better amp made but will sound better running on class A.   Not a real comparison!  





frozentundra
207 posts
 
Prof;

ahhhhh.........
You've opened another can of worms...

A audio buddy of mine, has VAC stuff
He has Cary stuff & ARC, too
And, Pv-14 CJ that he had/ has problems with

He likes the sweeter highs & details with good tone
He has a range of speakers ; great speakers

He has ended up with a Cary Preamp (. -05) & ARC VT-100 power amp

& it sounds good

LOL

I think he likes what you're preferences Are, too;  & Toob rolls

It appears you need to try lots of combinations, again

Jeff
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
It is my understanding that the VAC Phi series of amplifiers are class AB and not pure class A circuits.  They certainly may have a high class A bias.  If I'm mistaken then my apology. 
Charles 
peterdamroth
10 posts
 
In the past ( and maybe present) VAC used the Thiel to voice their equipment.
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