Conrad Johnson Classic 120se vs. Linear Tube Audio 40 Reference Amps

But I’m wondering if the LTA 40 Reference might be too SS sounding? Likewise, based on my experience with Conrad Johnson ART 150, will I find the Classic 120se also too neutral sounding - lacking what I understood the CJ warmth of glow I had hoped for?

couple points to your query

1) yes some feel the linear tube zotl ref40 amp is somewhat solid state sounding, especially if one expects a softer, sweeter, honey colored sound... this amp is a berning design, without output transformers, so its transparency and speed is outstanding, while providing the best imaging and midrange magic that tubes can offer -- but the treble is not laid back or rolled off, but this is also why it gives such great sense of air and soundstaging

2) i think you need to go back a few generations for c-j tube power amps to get the old school tube sound... i think the choice of power tube -- especially newer russian kt120/150 series tubes -- heavily dictates the presentation of modern tube amps -- these high power highly linear tubes will not roll off treble or bass... i think you need to go back to older premier 11a/11xs gen amps, with 6550 or el34 output tubes to get the more traditional c-j tube amp sound

hope this helps

If you’re looking for the “old” warmer CJ sound you’re probably better off with the non SE Classic 120 with EL 34’s. LTA’s won’t get you there. 

Something you might be interested in that I saw on the CJ website regarding P120’s:

1. All versions are superb, the deciding factor lies in the user's personal preference of output tubes. 

2. The EL34 sound is magical, it has that enveloping sound, wraps around you and you can melt in your seat... 
The mid-range and musicality is superb, plus the 3D affect on the mid-range one can reach out and touch something... 

3. The SE version fitted with KT120's is all of the above at a very powerful level. It will produce a heavy slam on bass when called for and lift the entire soundstage to a remarkable level of resolution and depth. At the same time it is fast and quick to respond and can handle higher peaks driving virtually any load (even electrostats) at very realistic levels. It will not over-power or be overbearing in any terms.

4. My overall preference was the EL34 version fitted on the SE, that was something special. Similarly to the ARTsa fitted with EL34's, as for me it had that "classic CJ sound".

5. The KT120's are more powerful and provide an effortless sense of drive and dynamics along with superb transient control. 

All versions are extremely musical, therefore tubes is a personal choice and would have to be personally auditioned to finalize. 
 

@bluethinker66 

Your ears are serving you well. KT150s are more neutral and add bass control. The CJ Classic 120 SE with EL34 and the CJ Slovak 6922 will deliver a warmer sound. It will be a little to the warm side of neutral. As I wrote before the 120 SE is a wonderful amp and I use that not the ART 150. Your room and cables will also impact the sound, but you need to decide how far off the neutral center you want to be. The non SE 120 is a very good amp and may be closer to what you want. The Teflon caps add more purity and detail. A non-SE can also be upgraded later on. 

Will the LTA have enough power for you?

Always happy to have a call.
 

I don’t know if this helps but I have the Audio Hungary a50i and Conrad Johnson cav45 S2. I don’t know how much the LTA changes the character of your AH or much about LTA. I think the SE version they upgrade to Teflon caps, don’t quote me. That may take away the Conrad Johnson sound a little.
 

There is definitely a different presentation between the CJ and the AH in my room. The CJ is like a old warm and cozy friend it just plays music and very relaxing. Great imaging, smooth and just a joy to listen to jazz and folky stuff. Being a control amp it is very transparent it sounds like a $5000 preamp on a 60 watt CJ amp.

On the other hand the AH shines with fast complex stuff like acid jazz, fusion, rock but also fantastic with normal jazz and folk just a great all around amp. The AH definitely sounds like a tube amp. The AH shines with anything you throw at it. If I could only pick one it would have to be the AH. It’s just in a different league to my ears, it’s fast, crystal clear and it digs deep for information. The CJ calls me to hook it up at times wanting the loose bass rolled off highs and like Conrad Johnson says” it just sounds right” and as strange as it sounds I agree.