Never Owned a Tube Amp and Want Advice

pkatsuleas  wrote: Unfortunately, can't afford any Tannoys right now! ;-}

They seem to be catching my eye lately as well, though I have never heard them. Seem to have a high cost even used. 

High cost as used is actually a good sign--the market demand suggests that it well liked.

I have a local dealer that carries CJ equipment.  It sounds good to me.  That dealer also carries the Italian Synthesis brand and that brand is quite impressive for the money.  They build two integrated amps that I particularly like, the A40 and A100.  These come with a very good built-in DAC and utilize KT 66 tubes.  This is not that easy a brand to find, but, it is worth hunting down.

Okay everyone, 

The Conrad Johnson LP66S was delivered on Sunday and secreted into the man cave.

I set it up today while my better half was at exercise class: Theta ProBasic III DAC, PWT, PL Dialogue Premium, with the LP66S replacing the McCormack DNA-500, and going into Tyler Acoustics MMX5's. Saving the turntable for later.

Initial impressions after about three hours of listening:

First, no problem about power or loudness.

Second, the overall sound seems more dense. I lost some of that when I switched out the Thiel CS5's for the Tylers. Now it is mostly back about 80 - 90 percent. FWIW, I think the Thiels were known for that politeness at the expense of some dynamics.

Third, the bass seems more solid and clear in the mix while still being textured.

Fourth the "spit on the microphone" is back. I am listening to Adele's "19" and it has clearly returned. On the song "Love", there is noticeably more sheen to the celeste. Also more sheen and brass to the cymbals on JJ Cale's "Troubadour".

Fifth, I think there are a few more ambient clues but nothing near holographic that I can hear.

The previous owner was not using the amp routinely and suggested that the amp capacitors might need a couple of long listening sessions to reconstitute the capacitors.....

By the way, I would not be afraid to buy again from "Tuggs" in Washington state. Excellent packing job and the amp looks like new! No trouble with FedEx.

Lastly, given I have changed out both speakers and amps, I have sort of broken the rule about one component at a time. Having said that, there is still a touch of sibilance I noticed after installing the Tylers and may have to change out their resistors. Easy job as they are wired in behind the connection posts on the speaker backs. Or possibly change tubes in the preamp? Or maybe, I just need more time on the speakers as they are now about 75 hours from new :-)! 

Such a fine mess I have created with things to learn and adjust.

So...right now I am happy. 

Thanks for listening and all of the constructive comments. Much appreciated and keep any thoughts coming!

Dsper

What you see here, ladies and gentlemen, is one of the more interesting effects of the demise of brick/mortar retail. To quote the President: “Sad.”
I recommend massive online research and Bach.
Used to be you could trundle over to the stereo store and get all this out of the way right there in the actual presence of the gear! What a concept!
As an old retailer I can tell you I found this virus-enabled retail revolution to be a bit abrupt.