This one is easy. Don't buy the seperate pre/power from CJ, just buy their CAV50 integrated. The CAV 50 is essentially a MV55 and PV12 pre in the same chasis. Reviews in Stereophile say that the integrated amp sounds better than the seperate pre/power. It has a pre-out if you want to add a MV55 in the future and bi-amp your speakers. I am using the CAV50 with 86db speakers(not very efficient) and spl levels are great. This is a truly high end amp and beats the pants of the similarly priced Krell KAV300i which i owned for two years. Don't expect the lush boomy midrange that you get with many tube designs. The CJ is detailed and has many Transistor qualities. Soundstage depth and width is amazing. Go buy it on the net for 1500 - 1900. Carl
Conrad Johnson expert wanted!!!
I'm looking at getting a CJ tube amp and preamp. What's the difference between an MV50, 52, and 55? Will these amps match up well with a PV12a? What should I be expecting to pay for mint amps? The reason I have all of these questions is, although we have the World Champion NBA Spurs here in S. A., we don't have any high end audio that I know of, and CJ has yet to post thier archives area on thier web site. Any help appreciated.