Conrad Johnson CA200 opinions welcome

Branislav, It is definitely not an "in your face amplifier" nor is it bright or harsh. I think the TAS review said it would be hard to beat for its finesse.

I would not describe it as warm but it is hard to say what warm means to you. The c-j 2250A and 2500A amps have more of the traditional warm sound. c-j, like all the better amp builders, is moving closer to a neutral presentation.

I would get a good neutral amp and look to my speakers for the warmth. I think speakers have a wider spectrum of analytical - warm than amps. There are many speakers known for their warm sound. You can pick the one that sounds right to you.

I think the CA200 is quite an accomplised amplifier though obviously not one without limitations. You don't mention what speakers you are using? When I tried the CA200 with my Eminent Tech LFT-8B speakers (83dB) it did not execute enough control over the 8" woofer and bass definition suffered as a result. Further, I found the resolution of the CA200 below best in class. At the same time I had additioned lots of competing amplifiers and while I finally chose a Gryphon your choice should depend on your speakers and the listening room.

I have Volent VL-2 speaker. Though I wouldn't call them bright, they definitely have a lively, upfront nature so I was hoping to tame it a bit and push the soundstage back a little. I might get different speaker in the future, but I love the detailed presentation it provides, so if I get something else, it will probably be something that provides a clear window to the recordings. I did have a completely neutral amplifier that i've sold recently that I think highly of, but I guess I wanted something else. I've been kind of tube curious, but my music of preference is pretty dynamic with fast, deep bass, and I don't get the impressions like the tube integrated amps in a reasonable price range can really handle that.

I had one for a week and it is a fine sounding amplifier.It has a deep sound-stage,that is very enjoyable.The overall sound is very comfortable, no fatigue.It has a texture and I think it focuses more on the lower mid-range, so strings,choral music sounds rich and with good presence.I was trying it with Dali Helikon 300 and Paradigm studio 100 V2.The very highs are slightly rolled off so it matches well with very open sounding speakers.The volume control is a little tricky, even set at 00 there is still sound coming out of the speakers and that could be a problem if you listen at night and have an efficient speakers and don't want to disturb anyone.It would be the best if you could try one with your speakers.

Zszwedo, I appreciate your response.