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Need recommendation for replacement of Vintage Conrad-Johnson PV-11 preamp.

My vintage Conrad-Johnson preamp developed a problem wherein the right channel is louder than the left.  I changed all the tubes and the problem went away -- for two days.
Now it's back.  I'm wondering if it's worth fixing or whether I should get a new or used preamp.
i LOVE the sound of it when it's functioning properly.
If I can't get it fixed, can anyone recommend a preamp that might have the same qualities of a vintage Conrad-Johnson?
rvpiano
unsound
7,344 posts
 
Absolutely agree; fix it. These things tend to hold their value very well.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,759 posts
 
Lo and behold, while listening, the preamp snapped back into proper focus again: both channels are equal.
I'm wondering if the issue is a loose tube connection. The tubes are new, but the problem was constant with the old tubes
Anybody have any suggestions as to what the problem is.
Lets see if it craps out again.
 
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
If you love it get it fixed, upgrading would be better yet. Along with Backers Labs, Bill Thalmann of Music Technology along with Conrad Johnson, all can do the repairs and upgrades which would be well worth the investment on a vintage CJ pre.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,759 posts
 
Thank you tubegroover.  I wrote to Bill Thalmann about the problem.
He confirmed my suspicion that the issue had something to do with tube placement, and recommended a tube socket and switch cleaner.
I also asked what modifications he does on CJ equipment.
unsound
7,344 posts
 
You might want to try different interconnects. While your there clean and check the interconnect sockets.
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