2. amps-preamps
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ConradJohnson--Can their vintage compete with new?

I am considering going back to separates. I owned a Conrad Johnson PV-8 tube pre-amp (1988) and liked it alot. However, I like some opinions on what might be CJ's best vintage amp and pre-amp of the last 10 years only. Would even consider reasonable, reliable, modifications if worthwhile and audible. (Unfortunately, CJ's new separates are very too expensive). I have a Creek SE5350 Classic, but can't find another integrated that fits my needs and power requirements and price range. All opinions and comments welcomed. Thank you
sunnyjim
vinkim
28 posts
 
Well, I have the CAV-50 and don't think it is especially rolled off. It's sound is the most 3 dimensional amp I own. Sounds great with B&W 805s, which is a very detailed speaker, so perhaps there is a balance here.

Vin
nglazer
846 posts
 
I had a PFR-1 pre when it first came out, sold after a few years for a Hovland, then re-purchased one for my BR system about 5 years ago and have not looked back. It was Stereopjile Class A in its time (FWIW) and still is an excellent performer. I have seen used ones on "Gon for less than $1000, which buys you a top flight SS pre that sounds great and is very versatile.

Neal
Ag insider logo xs@2x
uru975
684 posts
 
It is more than 10 years old but the best vintage C-J in my opinion for a preamp was their PV-11 with phono. A great piece, sorry I let mine go, no other piece elicits that response.
flyinghawaiian's avatar
flyinghawaiian
15 posts
 
Still use da PV-5 had levinson krell all kine high end preamps but always find myself enjoying da music more with my c-j!! Had all new auricaps put in as one upgrade.Enjoy da mele cuz!!!
ponnie
233 posts
 
It's funny but I owned the PV5 and always wanted a PV8. I sold the PV5 and bought an ARC LS9 w remote. Very good sounding preamp but not enough gain for my system. I took a chance on a VanAlstine Super Pas 3si preamp and when I received it it was a revelation. It had NOS Phillips 12AX7's in it and it was good. Later I sent it to Tom Tutay and had him go over it to see if he could improve it. Well my line stage has 12AU7's and the phono stage has 12AX7's and my gain is only 9db in the line stage and about 40db in the phono stage. It is super quiet, and a bigger sound stage than before and to be honest it matches my Tutay modded Dynaco Stereo 70 very well. It's a great bargin and an improvement in stock over the CJ. But the Tutay mods gets rid of the rolled off highs of the stock VanAlstine and opens the preamp up! In stock form it still is more extended than the PV5 to my ears. Excellent see through quality and very good presentation of the sound spectrum. Give something like the Super PAS 5 a listen if he is close you, you may find it very interesting. Good Luck.
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