Does anyone own the Luxman E-250 Phono Preamp? Or Conrad Johnson EF-1?

never saw or heard either, I would prefer the Luxman based on it's variety of options, 2 inputs .....

Typically Luxman is shiny and detailed with a very lean analytical presentation. From my research, it appears that this phono stage is more on the warm side for Luxman. I would choose the Conrad Johnson without hesitation. I want as natural and musical sound as possible. Here is a AI comparison... which sounds correct from the CJ side. So, I’m thinking the Luxman may be close. 

🎧 Great matchup, George—both the Luxman E-250 and Conrad Johnson EF-1 are refined phono preamps, but they approach musical reproduction with distinct philosophies. Here’s a detailed comparison of their sonic characteristics and design influences:

🔍 Sonic Comparison: Luxman E-250 vs. Conrad Johnson EF-1

⚙️ Design Philosophy & Impact

• Luxman E-250:

  • Uses a step-up transformer with super permalloy cores for MC cartridges.
  • Offers adjustable load impedance and capacitance, allowing fine-tuning of tonal balance.
  • Includes an articulation function to demagnetize the signal path, preserving sonic purity.
  • Prioritizes technical refinement with musicality—ideal for listeners who want clarity without sterility.

• Conrad Johnson EF-1:

  • Employs FETs for tube-like harmonic behavior, minimizing odd-order distortion.
  • Uses minimal negative feedback, relying on auto-linear gain blocks for natural dynamics.
  • Built with premium polystyrene and polypropylene capacitors, enhancing tonal richness and longevity.
  • Designed to recreate the emotional impact of live music, with a focus on texture and ambience.

If you lean toward analytical precision with musical warmth, the Luxman E-250 is a strong contender. But if you’re drawn to emotional engagement and tonal richness, the EF-1 might resonate more deeply. Want to explore how either pairs with specific cartridges or systems? I’d be happy to dive into synergy next.

Thank you for that.  As much as I like the idea of the Conrad Johnson sound, I am concerned about the unit's age.  It's in that 30 y/o range, and that is where many problems can pop up, even though there isn't an electrolytic in it.  There can be harmonic noise issues as well simply due to age, period.  I may have, as of last night, found a "solution", we shall see.  Despite the AVID Pellar receiving multiple positive, even glowing reviews, it seems that nobody talks about setup.  I discovered a while back (for example) that power cords make a huge difference with this thing.  It's probably the most power cord sensitive device I've ever owned.  Last evening, I undertook an experiment regarding vibration/resonance control and the results were not subtle.  In fact, they were immensely rewarding.  I put 3 large sorbothane feet under the AVID's chassis.  Things got better.  Then I took things a step further.  I placed 2 boxes of 45 cal ammo on top of the AVID (ammo is heavy!).  The artifacts I disliked are, gone.  Tonally, it is extremely even-handed.  The soundstage has become immense.  It is so deep and wide I can honestly say that I've never heard a phono system do this.  Images within the stage stay put regardless of intensity or complexity of the passage.  Timbres, while completely non-euphonic are very honest.  Image density is present in spades.  Notes pop out of an inky black background and fade away there.  "Harmonic Noise" has been drastically reduced.  Im hearing things I've never heard before, which is really saying something.  Dynamics can start and stop on a dime.  Do I still want some sweetness?  We'll see.  I can tell you that this has become to me, far more refined, more resolving, more "correct", and I can likely live with it nicely.  Due to the recent improvements, I feel very cautious about leaping anywhere because of losing what I already have, as of last night.  

To anyone with an AVID Pellar, power cords are a big thing with these.  So is resonance.  Don't be afraid to smother that thing with some weight.  The improvement is astounding.  In my nearly 40 years as an audiophile, I've done cable swaps and even component swaps that didn't have the impact that 3 sorbothane feet and 2 heavy boxes of ammo had on the AVID.  Why?  I can't tell you.  It just did.