Conrad Johnson Premier 3A = Dry sound?? Opinions please

I dont have that problem with my C.J. Premier 3 preamp.Might have to check and test the tubes,might be in the preamp too long.You didnt specify how long the tubes were in the preamp.I'm using it with a MOSFET S.S.amp by C.J.

There is definitely something wrong with your unit. I would start with a good cleaning and a retube. The 3 is emphatically not a dry sounding preamp when working properly. Having said that, it is also not the most transparent preamp available today.

Thank you for your reactions. I will have my tubes measured next week. The guy I bought them from said tubes were 3/4 year old and therefore 'as new'. After contacting CJ's famous consumer service that they last about 1000-1500 hours, so this will probably last 1,5 years or so.

I compared my CJ pre-amp with an Audio Research LS 8 mkII. That's where the comparison of a dry sound came from.

I still have to get used to 'planning' my listening sessions with a tubed component. I used to listen a lot of moments (almost every spare moment), but I keep getting the feeling that it's not good switching the unit on and off all the time...

I'll post an update as soon as I know more.

Thanks,

Nanning

Hi,
I have a prem 3 amp, any suggestions as to what brand of tube to use as I plan to re tube the unit. ! Ed
also, how does it compare to the PV series, 10, 11 etc. ?

THE ORIGINAL PREMIER 3 HAD BETTER SOUND. THE 3A USED SILVER WIRING. I USED TO OWN THE 3A (STEPPED VOLUME CONTROL) AND
I THOUGHT ITS SOUND A BIT STRANGE.

NOW I OWN THE PREMIER 3 AND WITH GOOD TELEFUNKENS OR MULLARDS IT SOUND VERY LUSH AND BEAUTIFUL.

Nanny, leave your preamp on if you are in and out of listening sessions, it is much better for the tubes and the power supplies, turn it off at night - your tubes will last longer than on and off all the time, plus your preamp will sound its best - retubing a preamp is a minor expense.

You cannot really tell how old the tubes are, so that should be the starting point. If you are using the same interconnects as your old SS amp, you may want to reconsider chaning those. But, before you do anything, call Knut at CJ service. He is the best and will spend the time to help you figure it out. Good luck.