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
yioryos's avatar
yioryos
723 posts
 
Maxxc
You are absolutely right,I didn't look into it .In any case I believe that both companies are excellent and offer quality products that suite any budget.Customer support is great from both as well.
cellorover
417 posts
 
I think the answer lies mixed in some of the threads. First, each and every amp/manufacturer has their own signature sound. And, there is no doubt that CJ's is excellent, musical and captivating. Compared to the Rogue it is more refined and revealing. When controlled for dynamics other variables come into play and it then becomes an issue of how well one can control and/or work with these variables, i.e. system and room interaction and personal tastes. At the end of the day if I had my choice, I would take the CJ 140/17 or the 350/17 over the Rogue for detail, specificity and purity. The 350 delivers everything the 140 does but with the bass that is more characteristic of the bigger Rogues (albeit with more control reflecting SS versus tubes). The dynamics will evolve from the interactions of these characteristics, room control and carefully matching front end and cables.
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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