Conrad Johnson vs Van Alst

I can't speak for CJ, but I bought a mint condition Dyna 120 at a garage sale once for four bucks. I sent it to Frank VanAlstine to have his circuits installed. That little 60wpc SS amp was a killer ... especially at its price point.

Franki

Curious why you are considering either one of these amps? If they’re not local and you’re getting a killer price, I’d look into a Parasound A 23+. Been a long time since I’ve listened to a CJ 2275 but from memory I’d take the Parasound. Can’t speak for the Van Alstine. Make sure whatever amp you’re considering is dead quiet if your speakers are super sensitive.

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

AVA for SS. The new SS Mono Blocks he is about to or just has released for $4k are said to fantastic. CJ is about tube sound.

Since I don't know what you're driving I should just shut up.

I think that both would be a good choice but i can say they are for two very different systems you could not go wrong with either one in the right system but i can say that the conrad johnson amp would most likely be the more forgiving amp of the two and the van alstine would be the more accurate/revealing if that helps.

I had a Conrad Johnson MF2550 power amp and found it dull on top and slow sounding. It didn’t seem to be a good match for my system, so I sold it after a year of ownership. The person who bought it sent me a nice letter thanking me for selling it to him. He went on to say it was the best sounding amp he ever heard.

I am still perplexed as I know how it sounded at home. It was mated to a Rogue RP5 tube preamp, Esoteric SACD player and GE Triton Refs speakers. Just food for thought.

I say if you can't spell it, don't buy it. Go with CJ.

make sure CJ has parts for that amp.

I would go CJ for sure, but it really depends on the final result that you are seeking.... I've never compared, but have heard both.  I'm guessing that the CJ will be more detailed, maybe a bit faster....but similar otherwise.  You, know, I've met Frank a couple of times,  although I found him arrogant about his own products, I don't think that he would lie to you or try to steer you one way or the other,  may be worth a call. 

@jjss49 oh whoops. I didn’t realize. When I think CJ I think tubes. I do not know much about their SS. 

@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 is as good as it gets in tubes. They know how to extract every last ounce out of the tube and use high quality parts. The best system I’ve ever heard incorporated the CJ GAT and CJ ART150. 

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

Both well respected amps!

  Tough call.
i would go with the CJ, for the name, and the overall sound.

my opinion

So the CJ 2775 is not some type of entry level bargain unit made by cj that is of lesser quality or anything like that? 

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

Conrad Johnson makes outstanding high end audio gear. It is known for its excellent musicality, build quality, and will last a lifetime. This is the kind of gear worthy of the price. I worked with a friend to pick his out over 25 years ago. He still loves and uses it daily. 

Owning units from both manufacturers, here is my advice. Van Alstine makes great gear to a price point. Conrad Johnson is next level gear. Shoot for the Conrad Johnson. This is only an opinion based on trial and error experience. Individual results may vary.