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Conrad Johnson Classic 120se vs. Linear Tube Audio 40 Reference Amps

Hi All -

I have started a few threads lately and owe many of you responses to questions. Most recently, I asked about system synergy after plugging a Conrad Johnson ART150 and finding out it didn’t quite deliver what I had hoped.

To the point, I am looking for a power tube amp with warmth, air and decay. I’m looking for an ethereal quality and not focused on bass response per se.

My current system:

Innuos ZENith
Merason Dac1
Linear Tube Audio MicroZotl preamp
Audio Hungary 100 watt power amp (out for repair, unfortunately)
Puritan 136 Filter
QLN prestige three speakers (8 ohm, 87.5 sensitivity)
Cardas Clear Cygnus speaker cables
Cardas Clear Power

Room is very large with high ceilings (11 feet)

 

The system above achieves an incredible sound to my ears - ethereal, insanely good imaging and a holographic quality, lots of air, with notes hanging in the air in a way I’ve rarely experienced. My challenge is I keep having maintenance issues with the Qualiton amp and want to have a backup amp when it’s out for repair.

I’m NOT looking for a neural sound. I have realized, for my tastes, I want an amp that facilitates a relaxing experience.

I recently demoed the Conrad Johnson ART amp and found it sounded incredibly neutral to my ears. Almost like a solid state amp…

My question to everyone, given my tastes, how would the LTA 40 Reference with Mullard tubes or the Conrad Johnson 120se sound?

I love the combo of the LTA preamp with the Qualiton amp because you get both detail and a tube tone. But I’m wondering if the LTA 40 Reference might be too SS sounding? Likewise, based on my experience with Conrad Johnson ART 150, will I find the Classic 120se also too neutral sounding - lacking what I understood the CJ warmth of glow I had hoped for?

Your feedback is much welcomed.

128x128bluethinker

Showing 4 responses by marco1

marco1's avatar
marco1
496 posts
 

If you’re looking for the “old” warmer CJ sound you’re probably better off with the non SE Classic 120 with EL 34’s. LTA’s won’t get you there. 

marco1's avatar
marco1
496 posts
 

Something you might be interested in that I saw on the CJ website regarding P120’s:


1. All versions are superb, the deciding factor lies in the user's personal preference of output tubes. 

2. The EL34 sound is magical, it has that enveloping sound, wraps around you and you can melt in your seat... 
The mid-range and musicality is superb, plus the 3D affect on the mid-range one can reach out and touch something... 

3. The SE version fitted with KT120's is all of the above at a very powerful level. It will produce a heavy slam on bass when called for and lift the entire soundstage to a remarkable level of resolution and depth. At the same time it is fast and quick to respond and can handle higher peaks driving virtually any load (even electrostats) at very realistic levels. It will not over-power or be overbearing in any terms.

4. My overall preference was the EL34 version fitted on the SE, that was something special. Similarly to the ARTsa fitted with EL34's, as for me it had that "classic CJ sound".

5. The KT120's are more powerful and provide an effortless sense of drive and dynamics along with superb transient control. 

All versions are extremely musical, therefore tubes is a personal choice and would have to be personally auditioned to finalize. 
 

marco1's avatar
marco1
496 posts
 

Something else you might think about trying.  Instead of using the Cygnus speaker cables look for the older model Golden Reference  which will also warm things up.

marco1's avatar
marco1
496 posts
 

I ran NOS Mullard el34 in my Premier 12’s years ago. They’re just wonderful tubes in that application and I would expect the same in your amp. What’s another couple of grand for tubes, lol. Snap ’um up while you can 🙃. You might feel a little lighter but you’ll definitely not be sorry.

 

 

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