Conrad Johnson and Herron comparisons

jjss49 asked the right question. So, let me try to compare apples to apples. I own both brands. Keith makes very good equipment - musical, detailed, engaging - as does CJ. I have had my Herron power amps for close to 14 years, with upgrades.  I have not found another power amp to replace them. And, I have tried. His preamp may be better. It has a sense of real music. I currently have a CJ ET5 with NOS tube. I would say that the new Herron 360 is a step ahead of the ET5 and closer to the ET7S2. I could live with either and never look back. You cannot go wrong with either. I hope this helps.

I agree with your assessment. Neutral is the new goal for most manufacturers. My ET5 sounds best with a Mazda 7308, better than my CCA. Herron balances transparency, tube magic, musical, and clarity. I love both and spend a lot of time changing cables.

Let me chime in again. First, good discussion. To clarify the ET5 does not burn through its tube. CJ initially shipped that preamp with an EH6922 and that tube by its nature would get noisy faster than other tubes. So, jjss49's suggestion to replace the EH is correct. I had a 1962 CCA in my ET5 for 2 year and then tried a NOS Mazda 7308 which sounded even better. That tube has been in my ET5 for about 1 year now. CJ currently ships the ET7S2 and GAT with Philips PCC88 tubes, the US equivalent is a 7DJ8. The Philips is a more expensive and better sounding tube than the EH and should last 3000 hours. CJ has a significant stock of both of those tubes. As for CJ buying up NOS 7 volt tubes, Jeff has been buying a handful of different tubes to try out. Not anything significant. And, I still go back and forth between my CJ and Herron equipment. 

saika2,
The products on Keith's website represent his new line. They evolved over 20+ years. I had the M1s and then had him upgraded them to the M1As. I am not sure if there is a M1A to M2 upgrade, but am happy with my M1As and my CJ tubes. You would need to call Keith and ask of there is a M1A to M2 pathway. But remember, in some cases the difference between the old and new models may be too great making an upgrade impossible or very, very expensive. I have had my Herron amps since 2005 and I, like many people, hang on to their Herrons. All Herron products will resell, but the used market for all equipment was damaged ~10 years years ago so you cannot always expect to sell used products at a price that you may want. The CJ ET5 is a good example of how 2-3 people dumping their preamps deflated the market.  A used ET 5 should be selling at $4500 not $3400 or lower. It is still a fabulous preamp. And, then again, many older products simply have lower no resale value. So, do not let the false prices set by the used market impact your decision. Pick the product that makes you, your ears, and your wallet happy.