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conrad-johnson system questions

Hello,

I'm relatively new to the whole audio game, but I'm a quick learner. Let me tell you what my goal is: to require a good audio system, doesn't have to be the best, doesn't have to cost as much as a brand new BMW, but should do a decent enough job to listen to CD's and LP's. I'm guessing almost all separate system will do a better job than my current integrated Akai AM-U33, which makes a horrible buzzing sound by the way (too close to my computer probably, which makes another horrible buzzing sound).

So, recently I've become aware of conrad-johnson, and I immediately fell in love. I like their no-nonsense no-compromise philosophy, and let's face it: it IS highly important, I like their aesthetic designs. An amp should look good. I like the retro look, I'm not too fond of amp that, while thei might be the best, look like a space shuttle. Shiny aluminium and blue leds everywhere are not for me.

So I've been browsing the conrad-johnson sales on this site (nice list), until I noticed that shipping was in 99% of the cases US only. Too bad. But it probably doesn't matter because in Europe we have 220V/50Hz instead of your 110V/60Hz, so I'm guessing the products would not be compatible anyway. If anyone could recommend me a similar EU based site that would sell loads of used c-j components (220V/50Hz), please let me know.

But, I've found a Dutch hifi store that has two c-j products for sale: the MF2100 and the PV10. The MF2100 has a really good price ($520), so I'm in doubt. My favorite combo would be the Classic preamplifier (also won the award of best preamp of 2009 on an other site) paired with either the MF2250 or the MV-60. I'm not sure if I want to combine tube-solid state or tube-tube, certainly since everyting I've read tells me the c-j solid states sound very much tubelike. Could anyone tell me the advantages and disadvantages of both configurations?
I'm guessing a problem is that the MV-60 is only 60W per channel, and that's not much. I haven't encountered any speakers to fit that.

Another problem is the availability of the MV-2250. I haven't seen it in Europe (then again, I haven't found many EU based sites that sell used c-j equipment).

So I guess the MF2100 is the next best thing, a little less power, but I can live with that. Although some reviews are raving, other review tell me to watch out, since the amp can sound pretty bad if paired with the wrong preamp. But I'm guessing all c-j products are compatible, no?

So, there's the question of which power amp to take: MV-60, MF-2250 or MF-2100, knowing that the MF-2100 is cheaply and readily available. Or maybe I could go another way and pair a c-j preamp (like the classic) with thow outlaw monoblocks (since they come cheap and highly rated).

But, there's also the question of which preamp to take. I like the classic. Everything I've seen about it is highly positive. But the store also has a used PV-10 (ex-demo model). Since I haven't found a lot of info about the PV-10 (except one negative review and one positive), what do you people think of it?

So to summarize my questions:

1. EU based webshop for c-j (preferably also used products)?
2. Pairing: tube-solid state or tube-tube?
3. preamp: classic or pv10?
4. poweramp: MV-60, MF-2250 or MF-2100? Outlaw monoblocks?
5. Is the MF-2100 really that bad?

Oh, and any speaker recommendations?

Thanks a lot,

Robbe
swaf
jw1111
5 posts
 
I've been a CJ owner on and off for 10+ years. I've had the PFR, PF2, PV10, PV12 preamps; MV55 tube amp, MF2100 power amps. I've used magneplanar speakers of various varieties, meadowlark and other speakers.
I think their stuff is an incredible value on the used market. I'm an LP person, play a lot of vinyl but also play CD and SACd.
The PV10 is a steal, especially if you play vinyl - it has a very nice phono section. It is a warm, tubey sounding preamp. The ss preamps, PF2, PFR are very different. The PFR is a line stage - was class A stereophile for a few years. More dynamic, detailed and deep bass than the PV10. The PV12 is between the two but very difficult to find.
Amps - the MV55 is an EL34 based tube amp but can also use other tubes. I prefer 6L6 tubes, but I really enjoy the MV55. The MF2100 is one of the best deals in audio - sstate with a nice mosfet type of sound. Better bass than the mv55, no sstate annoying glare. They are getting old, but they are built like all CJ stuff, pretty tank - like.
BTW, I don't agree necessarily with the 'choose speakers first' philosophy - it is but one way to get things done. I've worked with the MV55 55 watt / channel amp as a limiting factor and have found speakers that really juice my lizard.
It's about making everything matchup for synergy. It's a lot of fun. It's a quest.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
60 watts from a tube amp is enough for most speakers.
steveaudio
331 posts
 
I've owned 4 C-J components so far, all SS. I don't know the MF2100 and the PV10, w/o looking them up. But if "The MF2100 has a really good price ($520)", I can't see how you could go too far wrong.

I'd say, don't overthink it too much, to where you pass up nice used components at a good price. You're just starting out--you may go thru lots of diff. components over the years--that's partly how you (we) learn.

PS-SS amp w/tube preamp can be a very good combo. And don't forget, it's an adventure.....
phaelon
1,049 posts
 
"I've read some bad things on c-j power amps - no bass"

That's a ridiculous generalization. Caveat: When you either read or are told something that absolute about something so subjective, relative and system dependent, I suggest that you give that opinion scant merit.

"I don't know anything bout speakers"

Sure you do - they make sound. What you might not know is that the sound they make can differ tremendously from the sound you hear because of the way a speaker, and its positioning, interacts with your room relative to your listening position.

IMO, since you're starting from scratch, by far, the best way to proceed would be for you to save your Euros and buy a complete system tailored to your room. If that's too much, at a minimum, let your room and personal listening preferences dictate a speaker/amp combo.
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uru975
684 posts
 
Have had and still have a C-J product. Started out with the PV-11, the only component I've ever regretted selling. Got the MV52 amp and later upgraded to the Premier 11a, a definite improvement. Upgraded the pv-11 to a Premier 16 which is a great preamp, still have it. C-J products always performed wonderfully, reliably, and gave out a great sound. Only switched out in the amp department when I went SET, if C-J made them I would have one.
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