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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 1 response by ed_sawyer

ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
CCa's or 7308s (or even 6922s) should last at least 10,000 - 15,000 hours, minimum. figure on 4-5 years I'd guess of fulltime listening. NOS tubes may make the pre sound better than stock 16ls or ART, perhaps. Agreed: forget the Sovteks, they are ok and not microphonic but are a low common denominator in terms of sound. Suggest some amperex 7308s.

-Ed
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