2. amps-preamps
  3. 149654-20190

Audio Research Preamps vs. Conrad-Johnson preamps

I would like to hear from people who have been able to compare ARC preamps with conrad-johnson preamps.  I have never been able to do so myself, and while the ARC preamps seem to be quite good, I have heard them only in systems very different from my own.   I wonder about general characteristics such as warmth, detail, soundstage etc.  
Also, I have had a CJ PV12 for years and have liked it, and I have a couple of Bugle Boys in the line stage.  My interest in ARC is piqued by the numerous preamps available lately on AudiogoN, particularly the Reference 5SE.  
Helpful comments would be appreciated.  
john_r_palmer
phantom_av's avatar
phantom_av
326 posts
 
Try to find a loaner Atma-Sphere MP-3. 

Change the stock tubes to Black Treasure and then compare to the above 2 you are looking at. You would be very surprised!
sds77
2 posts
 

I am also interested in adding a preamp of one of these brands in my system. Especially sp16/ls16 or sp17/ls17 from AR or pv14 or pv15 from CJ. My speakers are Martin Logan requests and power amp is Aragon 4004. Any input would be highly appreciated. Thanks.

degx1000
11 posts
 

I have had, in order, a CJ pv1, a five, and a 9a. The 9 has a very fine phono preamp section. It requires a MM or homc, which is what I used.

I had an ARC SP 8 for some years too. As others mentioned, it has a more analytical sound, but still very satisfying. I know this is vintage stuff so it might not be very helpful.

 

lynn_olson's avatar
lynn_olson
315 posts
 

Audio Research and CJ use different tube lineups, which accounts for most of the sonic difference. You might prefer 6DJ8 vs 12AU7, which have very different distortion spectra.

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