2. amps-preamps
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Conrad Johnson PV-14LS II vs PV-15 II ??

I have been looking too long for a quality pre-amp Let me state, I owned a PV-8 for 17 years and never had a problem; Its controls were accurate and high quality.

I have read much about the CJ PV-14 II as "sounding just right" and musical with surprising tight bass and great soundstaging.

CJ informed me that the upgrades made to the PV-15 resulted in a dramatic improvement in the sound, compared to the upgraded PV-14 II. The upgraded differences with the PV-14II were much less notable. The upgraded PV-15 pre-amp was the first get to the Teflon capasitors as an upgrade

My system is: Acoustic Zen Adagios speakers: Red Dragon digital monoblocks(still breaking-in)(250RMS); Rega Apollo CD player; Rega P3-24 TT with a Dynavector 10X5 MC cartridge. I am temporialy using the pre-out pre-amp of a CreekSE 5350 Classic integrated( 85RMS) which drove the Adagios for almost 2 years.

Need input from members who owned or auditioned either of the CJ pre-amps mentioned.

They are contending against an Audible Illusions 3A pre-amp and a Modwright SWL 9.0 Signature preamp Thanks, Jim
sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by sunnyjim

sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Orpheous,
As I mentioned in the thread I used to have a CJ PV-8 and also Aragon 4004MK II with B&W Matrix 3 floor standers. Sonographe CD player. Nice basic high end system. I played classic rock and fusion jazz, and some big band.and little classical music

Even with the PV-8, I did not lack enjoyment or slam with classic rock music, and its was played in three different configurations of living room plans. I would not necessarily classify the PV-8 as non-rock pre-amp. Even on rock it had bloom and fuller harmonics. Hopefully, the PV-14LS or 15LS are not dominated by syrupy,soft sound. I don't think that was ever CJ major design plan

Though, you may have somewhat torpedoed my current CJ obsession. Nevertheless, you comments and question were good. Here are FIVE CD's I like listening to:

1)Yes: "The Yes Album"
2) Yes: "Close to the Edge
3) Harry James" The King James Version"
4) Bell and Sebastian: "In Pursuit of Life"
5) Grateful Dead: Europe '72
6) Grateful Dead " At Englishtown" ( their label). there are at least 6 other GD live concert CD's I play
7) Steely Dan; "Can't Buy A Thrill, also "Katy Lied" "The Royal Scam" "AJA"

Thanks guys, Jim.
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