2. amps-preamps
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Anyone compare Conrad Premier to Rogue?

I currently have a Rogue 88/66 Magnum combo powering my MartinLogan Aeons. Getting into tubes has been a revelation, and now I am considering taking a plunge into a Conrad Johnson Premier 17/140 combo. Unfortunately, my only Conrad dealer doesn't stock either, so I can't compare them to my Rogue setup. With the Rogue, sometimes to get a sense of dynamic swing, especially with DVD concert movies, I need to turn up the volume quite loud, and that drives my husband nuts. I thought the additional power of the Conrad might help in that regard. I've also heard Conrad has better bass, but I have no benchmark to compare it to. Any feedback appreciated.
arafel

Showing 4 responses by arafel

arafel OP
32 posts
 
If you could only do one at time, what do you think would make a difference? A friend who used to deal both seems to think getting the 17LS first would make more of a difference, because he says that the 66 doens't give me all the detail I could get out of the 88.
arafel OP
32 posts
 
I sort of understood that the CJ was superior, but I was wondering to what degree? Also, if you could only do one at a time, would you do the 17LS or the Premier 140 first? What would make the biggest difference, given the rest of the chain?
arafel OP
32 posts
 
See above; only local CJ dealer doesn't carry the 140.
arafel OP
32 posts
 
Well, I haven't made a major switch yet, though I did have the 88 upgraded by Rogue to the Stereo 90 board, which gave me 30 more watts in UL mode and the option to switch to triode on the fly. I wish they had made the biasing area more accessible, instead of having to remove the cage, which uses 10 screws, but oh well on that.

I'm still considering Conrad, though I have also wondered whether it might be worth keeping the Rogue amp for now and getting the ACT2 preamp, the new CJ flagship. I've heard also that the 2nd gen of the 17LS is absolutely stunning, and am hoping to audition it soon. I had the 17LS in my system for a few days. The soundstage seemed wider, and the highs had this beautiful shimmer that the Rogue 66 lacks. I still love my Rogue setup though. Rogue is a great company, and I have their Tempest integrated in my bedroom system powering my B&W 602s. If I ever hit the lottery, I'd get the ACT2/140 from CJ for the downstairs and move the 66/90 combo to the bedroom!!

CJ does have a beautiful sound. I couldn't believe what a difference their EV1 phono pre made in my system, especially since it isn't too many $$$.
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