Kharma Matrix MP 150 issues???

hi Jimbox; thanks. your father's system and room is really on another level beyond anything i have ever seen.

i assume from your description that you have determined that the 'pop' originated from the right channel of the ART? is that correct? since the ART is a true dual mono design; the left channel should be working fine....is that correct?

are the tubes in the lower chassis of the ART for the right channel? that is not clear from your comments?

if so; and you have then switched those bottom tubes into the top and they all work.....you likely have some sort of failed part in the right channel. i am afraid i have no further thoughts about what to do to for an easy fix. you really need to contact Conrad Johnson or your dealer.

the preamp is not 'leaking' DC; but the 'Pop' might contain DC which can occur when there is a 'short' someplace which can be the result of a failing part. one guess about why might be that once this failing part reaches operating temperature it shorts out.....this 'pop' resulting triggers the protection circut in the MP150. the POP may just be a very loud sound and not contain 'DC'....but non-the-less it triggers the protection circut.

you can likely thank the design of your amps for preventing damage to your speakers. in essence; the amp is acting as the 'filter' you mention.

you must fix the ART before it can be used.....at least as i am reading your repsonse to my initial post. hopefully the 'fix' will be something simple.

in your efforts to isolate the 'pop' did it occur again? if so; how long after you turned on the ART did it happen again?

also...are you sure there is only one fuse on the bottom of the ART? maybe consult the owner's manual.

Hi Mikelavigne,
The left channel is working fine. The right channel did have a little sound before i swap the tubes up and down. However, after swaping them, no sound is coming out from the right channel. I assume the ART right channel has a problem? I will try and hook up with my suround speakers and give it a one more try. If still no luck, i will take your advice and conrad johnson monday and expain the whole story to them. I just hope is a simple issue like you said. I am so glad you came on board and help out. Many Thanks!

May i ask you another quesiton regarding a CD player opinion? I am planning on getting a used CDP or Transport and DAC combo. I understand everyone have different preference and taste. You seem to use alot of TOP gear in the past and it would be great to ask you for advice. My budget is around 7 grand. I have a few brand and model listed down below. I'm also open on opinion as well if you recommended.

1. Reimyo CDP-777
2. April music Eximus T1/DP1
3. Emm labs DAC6e/CDSD non-se
4. ??

Jimbox; you are welcome. sorry you have a problem.

do you like the tonal character of the CJ Premier phono stage? particularly compared to the Marantz SA11? the CJ has a warmth that is very nice if not strictly neutral.....and it comes at the expense of micro-dynamics, transparency and ultimate clarity.

my taste runs toward the vivid clarity of the EMM Labs gear. which, while very natural, does not add warmth at all. the Reimyo (which i've had in my system) is a bit warm but not too much. the EMM 'SE' DAC6 is the very best digital i have heard when combined with the CDSD with the USB port (which is the same as SE whether or not badged that way). i don't know the April music.

there are lots of very good digital systems.....and i have not heard all of them. it comes down to your reference. i use the vdH Colibri cartridge on my Rockport tt as my reference of how reproduced music should sound; the EMM Labs gear comes closest to that to my ears.

there is a new 'one-box' EMM Labs digital player that i think is very very good at under $10k list price. you might consider that.

i hope this is of some help.

Hi Mikelavigne,
I only have two years of experience on audio. My first high end gear was the older Cj classic gears. I was never willing to try others at the time when i thought Cj was one of the best out there IMO. I am very happy with the way the ART sounds. It just sounds right! It looks like i have to narrow down to either Emm labs or Reimyo?

Hello from Canada. The Kharma Matrix MP 150 amps have a switchable DC buffer that is installed but not switched on. The amp sounds better with it switched off but some tube preamps will leak DC and stress the amp. If You fix the CJ preamp and the problem still occurs try turning on the DC buffer. I have the Nola Viper Reference speakers and am considering buying the Kharma amps to tighten up the bottom end a little. My Bel Canto EVO2i needs better grip. Looking for a good CD Player? Try the Meridian 808
or if Your CJ pre is dead then kill two birds with one stone and consider the Aurum CD/Preamp. All the best, Clark.