Conrad Johnson--does anyone use this brand anymore?

How have you liked the TEAse2 so far?

I'm nowadays on the outside looking in but have had some CJ preamps from back a few years ago but their quality control killed CJ for me. Maybe just bad luck but Act2 out of box was dead on arrival and worse was a huge bolt of juice coupled with a very big pop when I first turned on a new Premier 350. Scared me to death about the speaker that took it but alas no damage. Back it went to service after the excitement of first listen was toast but never trusted it again. Have had tremendous good fortune with many other high end brands.
Finally I know all the CJ verbiage concerning no balanced circuits due to complexity and cost. IMO this has cost them big time. This factor that doesn't seem to hurt ARC among others. 
Finally I think CJ has made some great products to include the ART pre and Premier 16 just to name a few. However I'd be very concerned to buy in now from a company longevity standpoint. It's a real issue.

I've used a PV6 since 1984. I just had the capacitor upgrade done and I doubt I could have gotten a better, new C-J or other comparable brand for the cost of the upgrade. It's much faster on the transients now and I perceive that it is better at reproducing the loud cymbal crashes. This upgrade probably brings it up to par with their current, smaller pre's with phono in performance. It has a big limitation on inputs, which the new ones don't.

I would recommend the C-J preamps over any other comparably priced tube preamp and many more expensive ones. Change the tubes every so often depending on use habits and you're in for decades of lovely musical performance.

Enjoy the music.

I've owned most c-j pre and power amps since the Premier days, both solid state and tube.  Currently running a GAT pre, LP140 monos, a Premier 350 and the TEA1bc phono.  I know the company well... Bill and Lew are two very smart guys, both PHDs.  The company has a well conceived perpetuation plan and is now run day to day by Jeff Fischel, the next generation of management. Jeff has been the technical guy behind the scenes for many years.  Fischel has taken over ownership with Bill and Lew still very active.  Their business is good with many products going to Europe and Asia where tube equipment is highly respected.  They have just announced a new generation entry level preamp with GAT style technology.  Great products and no worries.

Who doesn't like Conrad Johnson?
Absolutely no one I can think of. 
Some of the most musical gear ever. 

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