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Conrad Johnson 17LS Stock Tubes

I am about to buy a CJ 17LS from a dealer as a "demo" model. The dealer told me HE threw out the stock tubes and replaced them with "something." He mentioned Phillips, but he couldn't recall. I am using the CJ with Theta Digital gear (transport, dac and SS amp). I would have been happier with the stock Stovtek tubes for a couple months and then started to experiment with rolling, but I guess I don't have a choice. Should I call CJ and ask for a new set? and then go from there? I think it would be nice to hear what the company intended the preamp to sound like so I can make informed decisions on what tubes to try next...right? Is it usual for a dealer to throw out the stock tubes before selling an item? Also, I was reading the Stereophile review and the reviewer states "The Premier's Sovtek tubes themselves are carefully burned-in and matched, and supplied with damping rings to reduce microphonics." What are damping rings and how do I know if he threw those out too? I am just guessing, but a "carefully matched pair" of Sovteks is better then a couple of this and a couple of that? Right? Does it matter if you mix an match with preamps?
busaganashi

Showing 2 responses by busaganashi

busaganashi OP
32 posts
 
I'll call CJ on Monday and order some new ones. I read up some on tubes today. I noticed a lot of people are impressed with the Siemens CCa and the Telefunkens. They are about $100 each though. Will the best tubes make the 17LS that much better....especially given that I am using it with all SS gear. Has anyone tried these tubes or any other NOS with CJ preamps? Are there any good Russian 6922's?

Thanks for your replies.
busaganashi OP
32 posts
 
I looked at both of the websites. Upscale Audio seems to be limiting their "best" tubes to people that buy gear there (cookie jar). I'll call Andy Bowman at VTS on Monday. I think I will buy 4 of the Telefunkens and four of the Siemens, maybe even some Mullard type 1's. What is the difference between "moving mag," "moving coil" and the other types he lists? How long do these tubes last? Assuming the tubes last a year...it seems we will all be in trouble soon and buying Russian tubes...right? What about his damping rings made of solid brass...probably better than the CJ rubber ones or should I go without all damping rings?

This may be an ignorant question, but since the CJ 17LS comes with stock Sovteks and so does the 16LS..if I buy the NOS tubes like the Telefunkens..wouldn't that make the 17LS sound a hell of lot closer to the 16LS or even ART?
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