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Conrad Johnson PV11...Extreme sibilance, harsh sou

Hello everyone,
I have an issue and was wondering if I might prevail upon the community to help me out. I am a seasoned audiophile, I would like to think, but I am sure this old dog can still learn a few tricks.
I have recently acquired a CJ PV11 preamp that is basically in mint condition and came with a brand new tube set from CJ. The tubes were installed around 7/10 and I received this amp on 7/28/07. (strange though, they used Electro-Harmonics tubes)
Anyway, After I installed the preamp, I now have very serious issues with harsh mid range and extreme Sibilance issues that I never had before.
My system is very revealing. I use NEW Walsh drivers based on the Ohm Acoustics design of the model "F" and "A". In fact I have both. These units I make and build myself.
I have not even attempted to use the phono section of this preamp yet. Just the line stage.
While I have never encountered this problem before, I have it now, so much so that I can barely stand to listen to my system. Nothing in my system has changed except the preamp. I intend to rebalance the room and speakers using my calibrated mic and high quality RTA. And even though I am a purist at heart, I do use a high quality graphic equalizer just to cope with some room acoustic issues, but it is set to a very low and flat curve and mainly compensates for low end reflections from my omnidirectional speakers.
I have read about the usual tube rolling, try different interconnects and ac conditioning, but most of that seems very subjective, even to those that suggested it.
I do use dedicated 30 amp lines and separate grounds for my system and even have an ac conditioner, but found the conditioner caused hum issues, strange as that might seem. So I took it out and run direct to the line.
My speaker cables unfortunately are long runs of 25 feet by necessity, but are high quality OFHC braided cables with a 10 ga. size. I also use silver interconnects that I have designed.
Does anyone have any ideas? I have put into CJ for help, but no response yet. (Holiday) and have also been in contact with Dr. Tube.
I would appreciate any help.
Thanks in advance.
Dale
dale_harder
jimmyred21's avatar
jimmyred21
2 posts
 
I have had a PV 11 for 15 years and love it.
I had to do some work on my PV 11 about 10 years ago and sent it to CJ. Call them and ask them, they are great to work with and can I think can still service the PV-11 or just advise you. could be tubes.
ps bought a used ART-2 last year and in heaven.

Good luck
Jim
dale_harder OP
46 posts
 
Thanks, Jim. I appreciate that.
A litttle update... the preamp is starting to sound much better since the tubes have burned in. The exagerated sibilance is softening and not nearly as extreme. I would say I have about 150 hours on the EH tube set now. Otherwise, little else has made much of a difference. Talked with CJ twice and they had little to offer except to return the preamp and check it out.
Dale.
fredtroy
8 posts
 
Bit late reading this thread. Have PV11, actually PV8 modified to PV11. Changed output coupling caps to PIO's, that made the difference in mine.
bondmanp
1,816 posts
 
I figured this would be a good thread to hijack for a moment ;-) I have had a used PV-11 for a little over 2 years, and recently ordered new tubes from C-J. Although I do like the overall sound of the PV-11, I do find it a little on the bright side with all but the best source material. I guess this is just what you get with a very revealing, unforgiving preamp. However, two issues remain troubling:

1. Channel imbalance. As the PV-11 warms up, the center images seem to drift right. The balance control usually helps, but I really wish I didn't have to use it. I have tried new tubes, new ICs (from both CDP to PV11 and PV11 to amplifier), swapping L/R interconnects between CDP and PV11, a different CDP, all made no difference. I have yet to switch amplifier channels or speakers, which I will do when I have the time, but I am very frustrated. I fear it might be acoustical, yet when first powered up, the channel balance seems spot on.

2. Hiss (tube rush?). Until I added a PS Audio Quintet to my rig, I never thought of the PV11 as excessively noisy. Dead-quiet it never was, but because of a hum/buzz issue with my amplifier, the added noise I could hear when the PV11 came on was minimal. With Quintet, the amplifer noise has been vastly reduced (I now must place my ear within 2" of the speaker to hear it). When the PV11 comes on, the jump in background noise, even at lower volume settings, is quite large, and easily audible from the listening chair. Is this a normal amount of noise from a properly functioning PV11?

Any ideas on these issues would be greatly appreciated.
phd
1,319 posts
 
If any of you feel adventurous I would look into the newer Eastern Electric Minimax preamp. I just recently picked one up and have walked away very impressed for a pre in this price range. Can on occasions be purchased used for around $550.00 or higher.

Soundstaging, transparency & depth are excellent providing your other components are up to the task. The Minimax is an all tube design with tube rectification, no circuit boards or transistors here, all point to point wiring and build quality is ridiculously good. Compact but heavy for a preamp in this class.

Tube types & interconnects make a "Dramatic" difference for tayloring the sound, creating an endless realm of possibilities. It delivers a nice full sound from top to bottom unlike some other compact designs and as one reviewer said the Minimax is mini in size but is max in performance. Many rave reviews from their website (Morningstar Audio). If I were to sell, it would only be for the necessity of a remote control.
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