Conrad Johnson vs Van Alst

it is true that the op has not mentioned what speakers he is driving... that may influence his choice, but the two models he mentions are of similar rated power

the ava will certainly play and sound a touch sharper and more incisive than the cj amp... cj’s sensibilities are for a more rounded, dimensional sound (given that firm's tube gear heritage), and thus some transparency, speed and detail is traded for those qualities deemed attractive ... the early cj ss amps using mosfets were infamous for their ’mosfet mist’ - where the sound was softened and somewhat ’cloudy’ if you follow my drift... but over time c-j, like arc, has moved to a more neutral sound in successive iterations of their gear

@gmercer

CJ is as good as it gets in tubes.

i agree 100% -- but the mf2275 amp the op is querying about is their solid state mosfet amp

cj’s entry level is as good or better than most - they simply don’t through low end stuff out there that underperforms

cj’s name is still means terrific quality and sonics, for every piece they sell

https://conradjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Tone-Audio-Review-conrad-johnson-MF2275SE.pdf

cj’s amp will sound a touch more refined and smooth than the ava - ava fet may sound a touch more transparent

both are built to last, quality pieces