2. amps-preamps
  3. 178088-162635

conrad johnson CAV45, CA200,...

I've been wondering why conrad johnson has no line stage in their "control amplifiers" like the CAV45, CA200, CA150, ...  Their manual says that it "eliminates an entire stage of audio circuitry (the line stage) and its inherent colorations."  I get that idea and I can see why other manufacturers with a minimalist approach to the signal path might eliminate a line stage from an integrated amp.  But why cj, who manufactures and sells so many excellent preamplifiers? 

I'm curious about the thinking here, but I'm really curious how these control amps sound compared to cj separates.  Has anyone listened to a cj control amp next to comparable cj preamp/amp combo that can share their thoughts?

jt449

Showing 1 response by marco1

marco1's avatar
marco1
607 posts
 

"So I should expect something like a PV14 + MF2275 to sound better than a CA150?"

Better I doubt it.  A little different yes. I ran the PR 16 with the PR12's for quite a while. Also ran the PR 16 with a 2250. Went to the CA200 after that.  Lost very, very little in terms of SQ. Still the CJ house sound without the more lush, older CJ tube sound.  I would expect that if they were to come out with a newer model of the CA200 it would sound even closer to the newer tube models.

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