2. amps-preamps
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Conrad Johnson Premier 3A = Dry sound?? Opinions please

Hi,

I recently bought a second hand CJ 3a tube pre-amp that brings a welcome improvement in my system (Bryston 7B ST and KEF reference 4) but...... There seems to be somtheing missing.

The sound is leaning on the dry side and I don't have that bloomy, palpable yet transparant sound that I was looking for. The fat/syruppy bass could also be a bit more controlled (ehh. dry??).. Oh yes, and through my 92 db sensitivity KEF's I hear a lot of 'pink noise' !!

I wonder if the tubes are worn or something (GE).

Anyone with experience with this oldie?? I'am now thinking of buying a dedicated Btyston pre-amp to get that transparant, controlled sound.

Any ideas??

Thanks,

Nanning
nanning
rogerroger
76 posts
 
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.
nanning OP
10 posts
 
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
edwardwone420d
3 posts
 
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. ?
aolsala
21 posts
 
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.
pops
2,273 posts
 
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.
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