2. amps-preamps
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New tubes for Conrad Johnson17LS Pre

Sigh... I know tube rolling has been discussed to death, but perhaps thats because it's a complex subject with no right answer (are'nt they all). Some say NOS tubes are snake oil and probably used anyway, others that they are indispensible. If there is a consensus it seems to be that the answer is equipment and system dependent. I use a Shanling CDT-100 and have found benefit in changing to Western Electric valves.
I bought the CJ from an Audiogon ad of course and am very happy with it. I use it with an LP12, the Shanling, an Aleph 3 Power amp, Living Voice Avatar speakers and Acoustic Zen cables. My query is, can it really be improved by replacing the Electro Harmonix 6922 valves supplied as stock and if so, with what? I do'nt really expect a consistent reply, it is too subjective a question, but any pearls of wisdom would be appreciated, thanks
david12

Showing 1 response by david12

david12 OP
1,454 posts
 
Thanks for you're thoughtful suggestions guys. The CJ is a mark 1 version, but the tubes have only a few miles on the clock. I will follow the consensus and hang fire on the new tubes. I'm interested in the idea of upgrading to the mark 2, which I did'nt know you could do. I live in the UK which makes a trip back over the pond to CJ, risky and expensive.
A recent review of the mark 2 in the UK mag HiFi News, which I think is pretty good, suggested the mark 2 was different, not necessarily better than the mark 1. The change, it suggested was brought about by the need to use a different, perhaps more reliable capacitor. I have'nt compared the 2 pre's myself so could'nt comment. Thanks again for the helpful replies.
David
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