Conrad Johnson PV12 AL

I want to thank Carmenc, Hifiman, and Erik for responding. I know capacitors have vastly improved since the first PV12, and that's why I'm looking into these modifications. I have a schematic of the PV12, and it looks like the diodes could stand an upgrade as well since there are some faster diodes; Shotsky or something like that is the name, that are used by Musical Design.

"Musical Design"; is close to me, and they do a lot of mods. If they are still in business I'll give them a ring. I plan to rebuild the PV12 if I ever get one. It's incredible how much improvement you can get if you're a technician, and can do good soldering work. The biggest problem I've ran into is finding room for those huge new caps, that I use to replace the electrolytic capacitors.

Once you find an old amp with a good design, it's simply a matter of finding enough room for new parts.


Enjoy the music.

Erik, you seem to be quite an expert on these modifications. Right now I'm looking at a schematic of the PV-12; I've already replaced the electrolytic capacitors with Black Gates, when they were still selling them. Which capacitors do you suggest replacing? I had good luck in a speaker crossover with top of the line Jensen poly caps. The PV-12 I'm looking at wont work unless I get a transformer.

I imagine you have a schematic as well; are there any specific caps that you recommend replacing, I always use the same value and voltage of course.

BTW I e-mailed Chris, and told him that you recommended him; I even got a reply; this is just the beginning.

Those of us who are handy with a soldering iron can go a long way on improving most components in our rigs.

Good luck on all your future mods.