Conrad Johnson Upgrades - A difference maker?

I had my CJ Premier 8A (operating in triode) upgraded to full teflon (V-Caps) performed by rhBSoundDezign in Churchville, Pa. The amps had already had extensive power supply upgrades and the rhBSoundDezign JB Gold mods and the internal wiring upgraded to gold/silver wire. I am using Svetlana Winged C 6550 output tubes which are my tube of choice even over the original GE 6550 NOS tubes that I have.

The V-Cap upgrade made a significant difference particularly in smoothness and detail. A caution though. It takes a long time for the teflon caps to break in. I don't think that you hear the full improvement until at least 300 hours minimum.

bbro,

Thanks for responding. Did any of the CJ lushness (some call it their "house sound") diminish or harden after the upgrade?

I do like a warm "tubey" sound...

Randy

Randy...no going back! Don't mess with success.....IMHO.

I also had my prem8a upgraded. Bbro is spot on as the improvements overall are excellent.

Another significant improvement is it is quietier

Well worth it IMO.

Well, Per Preference is some of this...

I'm a big CJ fan. 1st tube amp I bought was their MV45 with EL 34's. I LOVED that sweet, a bit colored "tubey" sound. I sold it and picked up a MV60SE and did not care for it's sound as much (although many say it's a way better amp). I Sold it and bought what I'm hoping to be my final amps, the 12's. Did this because I thought I'd get a bit of both the MV 45's and MV 60's characteristics but on a much higher level.

To date, I've been very happy with the stock build of the 12. And, BTW, I've mated these 12's with CJ's Premier 15 pre and feel it has been a very good combination.

Thanks for sharing all of you - I do have more knowledge from which I can base a future decision off of. I'll contemplate the matter.

Randy