2. amps-preamps
  3. 136417-13625

What is as tube sounding as Conrad today?

Looking to buy a tube preamp for my Class D Tripath amplifier. It boils down to (from most people) Conrad Johnson older PV series as being the most tube sounding preamp. Or some people who don’t like that sound call it dark. I surely don’t want dark as if you put blanket over your speakers but lush/warm/romantic sound is what I like. Can I buy a used preamp ($300 budget) sounds like Conrad PV line? Don’t care too much if it is from China as I had pretty good sounding stuff from China before.
celo
bondmanp
1,821 posts
 

Saw this for sale... it's no CJ, but might do what you want:


https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis901fa-dynaco-pas-3-made-with-all-new-parts-tube#&gid=1&...


For a few more bucks, this might work, too:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8jg6e-quicksilver-line-stage-preamplifier-silver-tube


And here is a SS designed by CJ:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8jfg7-sonographe-sc-25-fet-preamp-by-conrad-johnson-tested-soli...


And for a minimalist design:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8je88-blue-circle-audio-sbt-tube-preamp-tube


No idea if this one is any good or not:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8j02c-abacus-aikido-tube-preamplifier-with-remote-tube


If you can spend a bit more, it's hard to see how you can go wrong with this one:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8ij5a-croft-acoustics-micro-25-stereo-tube-preamplifier-mm-phon...


Disclaimer - I haven't heard any of these, but at these prices, you should be able to resell them for most of what you paid.












celo OP
183 posts
 
Thanks to all of you for the responses!

I did buy a CJ PV-5 today with extra tubes (never installed new tubes). Including shipping, PayPal fees, etc. I didn’t pay $300 but paid a fair price where I didn’t have to stretch my budget too much. 

Can’t wait to receive it!

lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
688 posts
 
Please keep us posted.  I've read about the PV5 but never heard one.  I'm sure it will sound great!  I was also going to recommend a Dynaco PAS2 or PAS3 at that price range...... 

I also agree, I think all of these chip amps need tube preamps to go with them.
celo OP
183 posts
 
@lou_setriodes I don’t want to be one of those people who says I will keep you posted and then never writes back. I don’t promise but I will keep you posted. Though, it will be a long while (probably end of August maybe later) since I am constantly away from home this summer. 
celo OP
183 posts
 
@bondmanp special thanks to you for taking time and finding out preamps for me. I really appreciate it. 
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