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

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.

@paulcreed. Thanks for adding some more food for thought. The CAV45S2 is a sleeper. Good review in Tone. It is basically the Classic 65 with 3 inputs and a volume control. I love its simplicity. You should upgrade the tubes to Sophia Electric EL34 and either CJs Slovak 6922 or Mazda 7308. Tube rolling transforms the sound. It is not as clean as the Classic 62SE but you can just listen to it. 
 

@bluethinker. Give your room, you may get away with the Classic 62SE but you may need a more efficient speaker.

Since we are talking integrateds, you may want to look at the VAC. It has the power, is built well, and is not a neutral as some of the other amps you have been discussing, but very musical and enjoyable with good bass control. Conversely, their 100 watt amp may just work for you.

Cellorover I’m running Mullard xf2’s which makes a huge difference. Gives that amp it’s clarity and a sophisticated sound it needs kind of like mellow Teflon caps or a little upgrade. Luckily I have a stash of very nice 6922’s and 7308’s. That 6922 slot has a big impact on the CJ. But not as much as what those xf2’s do. I had a BAT preamp long ago I think it took 12 or 14 preamp tubes, what a pain to retube and I didn’t even like the amp. I like simple things now. 

@paulcreed @cellorover @marco1 @jjss49 

Thank you all for your replies.

@jjss49 - Would you be so kind to indulge me with your opinion on the EL34 tube sound? I’ve been reading about it and I’m really curious. I love an airy and bloomy sort of sound with, ideally, as much decay as possible. I guess I’m a sucker for reverb and an ethereal sound. Something tells me that might not be what the EL34 tube is, but I’m curious what it might be. 
 

@marco1 - thanks for pulling all those comments from the CJ forum site. I’m very intrigued by the EL34 tube now. Per my question to @jjss49 im

wondering what that tube sounds like. 

@cellorover - I would welcome a chat, as you’ve suggested. 

Something else you might think about trying.  Instead of using the Cygnus speaker cables look for the older model Golden Reference  which will also warm things up.