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Fix it or not, my CJ Premier 11a Amp?

I can't get rid of my old stuff, but I'm trying. So, one day years ago I have my system turned on and just warming up. I walk up to it and see my Conrad Johnson Premier 11a power amp turned off. I thought I turned it on, so l flip the switch a couple of times and nothing. The fuse is blown, I replace it, and then snap, crackle, pop. Crap, what did I do, many know the feeling...Now what?

I would wind up upgrading my system after that, so today I don't have speakers compatible with my old CJ. It sits on a shelf in a basement back room and shares its company with other relics like Sansui, BAT, SOTA, Anthem, Theta, Heathkit, etc.. It's a museum of old memories.

So, that's the story behind my indecision about what to do with the amp. All my other relics actually work, so I have better options with those. I have also seen in some recent threads, that the customer service at CJ may have slipped somewhat, but that's heresay. So, is my amp worth fixing or just a pretty door stop?
Kenny
kennythekey
mre28m5's avatar
mre28m5
36 posts
 
It’s definitely worth fixing. The amp should last another 30 years. At the moment the CJ repair department’s lag time is about one month. Repair probably will cost about $400 plus parts and shipping. You might ask CJ if they will do the C1 capacitor upgrade while the amp is in the shop. The upgrade is well worth doing. CJ should offer the upgrade at a discount, as the amp is being serviced anyway. Best time to do the upgrade. 
inna
7,923 posts
 
Old memories should not be broken. Whether you would want to keep it or pass it on to someone else.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
It's a classic tube amp, get it fixed or if you don't want to bother you might try the auction route as is with a minimum bid you would be comfortable with, you may be surprised. The other option IF you have a comparable speaker is to upgrade it. You are in a good position with such a vintage product. Wanna trade for a vintage Perreau amp plus cash, I'd be more than happy to oblige. In all cases you have excellent options, good luck! 



marco1's avatar
marco1
617 posts
 
Getting it done inexpensively or quickly at CJ, based on my past experiences, is wishful thinking.  Whether its worth fixing imo would depend upon the cost to fix.  Depending on where you're located shipping back to CJ and the bench charge along could be several hundred dollars.  Try to find someone locally to at least give you an estimate of the repair cost.

Good luck.
erik_squires
16,756 posts
 
Another alternative, you could sell it AS-IS.

I imagine a number of people would buy it under those circumstances. Then you could get it off your hands, and not deal with the service at all. You would loose a lot of value that way though, just depends on whether you'd like cash now, or to do a little work to get more cash later.

Best,

E
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