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Conrad Johnson MF2550, What To Expect?

I should be receiving a used Conrad Johnson MF2550  250wpc solid state amp on Friday.  I have never heard the amp or any CJ equipment for the past 20 years.  What scant reviews I have read, it seems to be on the warmer side of neutral.  This is not the SE version which is a detailed sounding amp.  I am hoping for good synergy with my Rogue RP5 tube preamp and GE Triton Reference speakers.  I am presently using an Odyssey Stratos Extreme amp which is around 160wpc.  It is a little warm sounding but I am hoping the CJ will be better in my system.  If anyone owns one, has heard one or has any opinions, please reply to post.  Do you think it is a backwards, sideways or forward move?
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jafant's avatar
jafant
19,891 posts
 
Alright! stereo5

you will soon have (2) amps that I am considering - Odyssey and CJ.
I have spent time w/ some of the older CJ soild-state power amps, but, not the current offerings. Do not worry about the "SE" upgrade. You can accomplish this later if as you figure out which brand has the best synergy in your system.  My go-to is Jack Tozzi at Spearit Sound in MA. He is well versed on CJ products old and new. A stand -up guy to be sure.

The Rogue (tubed) will match nicely to the CJ. The older models are pretty neutral to slightly warm to my ears. I like this combo (tubed pre and ss power). The key is going to get sonic matches on cabling. Again, Jack will be an excellent resource as well. Keep me posted, here or via pm,  as you receive and massage this amp into your system. Excited for you!
Happy Listening!
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
stereo5 I have not had the pleasure of hearing the 2550, but did hear the 2300 and then its successor, the 2500. What I loved about the 2500 was it had the "beautiful, golden" cj sound of the 2300 but they had significantly improved the bass punch and depth. I would have bought that amp right then and there if I didn’t already have a fine power amp for my system.

There is a special something about cj solid state amps. They manage that tube-like lushness but with authoritative bass. I had looked at cj’s website recently and I think I would go your route rather than the SE version if the cj house sound is what you are after. I have also heard the Goldenear 1s on an occasion and found them very clean clear transducers. The references must really be something. Congrats!

Please let us know how everything works together. Audio Nirvana?
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@stereo5 Just looked at your system. Nice rig! Did you trade in the GE 1s to get the References? BTW Agree with jfant about tube pre with SS power. So many people have found that is successful coupling.

Are you using Herbie devices under the Scout TT cones?
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,449 posts
 

@hifiman5


Thanks for the kind words. No, I moved the Triton 1 to my secondary system and sold the Triton 2 that the T Ones replaced, What I am looking for is that warm romantic sound in solid state and this amp seems to fit the bill. The way I figure it, if this amp is too much of a good thing, I will send it to the factory for the Cap upgrades and that will brobably brighten it up a little. I bought this so right that I couldn’t really find anything better for what I spent. I just checked FedEx site and they are scheduled for Friday delivery. I am looking forward to this.

I have the VPI Prime now sitting on a 3 inch thick solid maple platform but I am not happy with the platform that I paid a lot of $$ for. I am waiting delivery of a platform made by Audio Vibration Control. It is solid applewood with thick cork on both sides sandwiched in a beautiful bamboo base. The maple platform was ok, but the craftsman cut through a large knothole for one of the edges. Not only is it very unsightly, but pieces of the knot fell out and there are spots where the finish didn’t adhere to the wood. Most likely I will put it up for sale at half of what I paid.

Really looking forward to this amp, I hope its a keeper. I am keeping my Odyssey as well for a back up amp.

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
stereo5   I'm sure Friday can't come too fast!  Anticipation.  Agree with having a back-up amp. Look forward to hearing about your experience with the new cj amp.  Congrats!
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