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Conrad Johnson Classic 120se vs. Cary Audio Design CAD120 MKII?

Hi All -

I'm looking to purchase an American made tube power amplifier of at least 100 watts. Looking to purchase new as I'm keen on a warranty. If I do have issues, I'd really like to be able to have a US-based manufacturer be able to address any repairs issues. 

Not interested in mono-blocks due to space constraints and my wife's aversion to more stuff in the living room. 

I'm ready to pull the trigger on the Conrad Johnson Classic 120se. 

I have, however, realized that Cary Audio makes a 120 watt tube amp that is about half the price of the Conrad Johnson 120SE model I'm ready to purchase. 

My question to you: 

Does anyone have familiarity with these two models? In terms of sound quality, is the Conrad Johnson worth the extra cost? In terms of reliability, can anyone share their experience with these two brands? Is there a difference in house sound? 

 

I terms of my own preferences, I'm looking for air, openness, warmth and an holographic sound. 

I really appreciate your feedback! 

My gear: 

Cardas clear power and speaker cables 
Puritan 136 purifier 
Innuous ZENith music server 
Merason DAC1 
Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp 
Currently using a Audio Hungary 100 Watt tube power amp 


Fingers crossed someone can provide perspective on Conrad Johnson vs. Cary Audio 




 

bluethinker66
jeffseight's avatar
jeffseight
574 posts
 

I owned the Cary 120 MKII for a couple years. Paired with an Audible Illusions

Pre and older Tannoy FSMs the sound was warm and engaging.

I thought I was done.

When I had to take the Cary in for something-and there is always something

with tubes- I bought a pair of Pass Amp Camp monoblocks. 6wpc. $300

to tide me over.

I heard detail I never knew was on the recording. Fast Forward- I bought

a Pass Labs INT25 and never looked back. You want a well built product

built in the US with a great staff? 

Otherwise order two of your Tube products so you always have one working.

 

 

 

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
177 posts
 

@jeffseight - I have found that the Linear Tube Audio preamp brings a ton of detail that I’d been missing with my former tube preamp. It’s pretty amazing. The combo of the LTA preamp with a tube power amp brings the best of both worlds for me. 
 

I actually went and demoed the xa160.8 amps (they didn’t have the xa60.8 amps available to demo, the xa160.8 are too expensive for me), and wasn’t terribly impressed. I was expecting to be blown away, but I wasn’t. Maybe they were not warmed up sufficiently? 
 

Question for you: what solid state amps would you recommend? I would like at least 100 watts of power to drive my speakers. I have a very large room to fill. 
 

I have been curious about CODA… 

 

 

cellorover
417 posts
 

@bluethinker66 

You are getting some good inlet, but what speakers are you using and what is your room like? You may or may not need 120 watts. Happy to share some thoughts once I have more information.

cellorover
417 posts
 

Correction. input not inlet.

BTW I have a Pass XA25 and CJ Classic 120SE, Merason DAC1, and Innuos Zenith.

 

 

bluethinker66 OP
42 posts
 

@cellorover - Thank you for your reply. 

I have QLN Prestige Three speakers (8 ohms, 87.5 sensitivity). My room is large - it's a combination of a dining room, kitchen, living room - modern open layout. The ceilings are high, as well. 

I also have the Innuous Zenith, Merason DAC1 and LTA microzotl preamp. I've been using a 100 watt Audio Hungary tube amp, which has produced fantastic sound with the other components. Given the large space, I feel anything less than 100 watts just might not be enough... 

I realized I actually liked my own system more than the Pass Labs xa160.8 amps I demoed a few weeks back. I am, however, keen to have a US-based tube product to more easily deal with repairs, hence my desire to purchase the CJ or Cary tube power amp. 

I'd welcome your thoughts and advice! 

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