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Opinions on vintage cj amps and Teflon cap mods

I'm seeking opinions on having a vintage amp modified/updated. While I'm enjoying my conrad johnson Premier V as is, I can hear some significant differences when compared to some of the more modern amps I've heard. In my opinion, the sound I'm getting from my system is too soft, particularly the leading edge of notes and the upper base/lower mids. Decay, air, ambiance and overall musicality are great IMO. conrad johnson is offering modifications to the Premier 4&5 amplifiers which would include a new power supply and Teflon capacitors. What's crucial to me, is that I'm looking to improve the amplifiers performance, not just change it. The cj person I talked with said they've modified a couple of the Premier 4s with "smashing success". Thanks in advance for your experiences and opinions.
phaelon
downunder
1,329 posts
 
I recently bought a pair of cj prem 8a's and had conrad johnson do the teflon cap upgrade.

The upgrade consisted of replacing the eight coupling capacitors (inverter to output tubes) with .15 uF Teflon capacitors and replacing 6 more capacitors (four in the regulated supplies, two in the unregulated main supply) with .15 uF Teflon. Filament diodes were replaced with "beefier" diodes

No downside whatsoever. Maintains the strengths of original prem 8a while adding transparancy, seperation and overall ease of delivery.

Highly recommended for any owner of older cj amplifiers.
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Interesting that cj now have the upgrade detail on their web site
http://www.conradjohnson.com/It_just_sounds_right/cap_upgrades.html

Luving the premier 8a's with the teflon cap upgrade now that I have over 400 hours on them

cheers
sherod
1,690 posts
 
Does CJ offer these proprietary caps separately as parts for DIY in other makes or is this strictly for their own use in CJ model upgrades?
downunder
1,329 posts
 
I would say no, as they probably believe this is part of their musical edge over other audio peers with their" own voiced" teflon caps.

Send them an email and ask - they are a very nice company.

They told me who made them (made in the USA) , however I forgot but I think it may be V caps - but as I said made expecially with cj's 12 proprietary herbs and spices so sound different.

cheers
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