2. amps-preamps
  3. 1236808120

Opinions on vintage cj amps and Teflon cap mods

I'm seeking opinions on having a vintage amp modified/updated. While I'm enjoying my conrad johnson Premier V as is, I can hear some significant differences when compared to some of the more modern amps I've heard. In my opinion, the sound I'm getting from my system is too soft, particularly the leading edge of notes and the upper base/lower mids. Decay, air, ambiance and overall musicality are great IMO. conrad johnson is offering modifications to the Premier 4&5 amplifiers which would include a new power supply and Teflon capacitors. What's crucial to me, is that I'm looking to improve the amplifiers performance, not just change it. The cj person I talked with said they've modified a couple of the Premier 4s with "smashing success". Thanks in advance for your experiences and opinions.
phaelon

Showing 3 responses by sns

sns
3,643 posts
 
I'm planning on capacitor upgrades to my CJ MV-55. I will use Jantzen Z-Superior Copper at the lower end of price scale, VH Audio V-Caps at higher end.

Based on my experience, either of these caps should provide the improvements you're looking for, while retaining the essential CJ sound. I wonder what caps CJ uses in their upgrade?
sns
3,643 posts
 
I'm with you on keeping the amps. I find my CJ amp a keeper in it's own right, I like it just because it offers a sound unlike the more modern tube amps I've owned or own.


I don't agree that Teflon caps are the only way to go, Jantzen Superior Z is a top choice, Duelund VSF copper the absolute best! Teflon has a sound, very clear and clean, too many can sometimes mess things up, synergy is paramount.

I don't know about amps lasting indefintely, but they should last a good long while. Nearly all parts have a definite lifespan, ask CJ about this.
sns
3,643 posts
 
Casouza, I hear you on the V-Caps, can be too much of a good thing, the reason I would hesitate to recommend them in this case. I wonder who manufacturers CJ's film caps?

Granting that what you say about transformers being band limited is true (I hear it), it would seem somewhat pointless to upgrade most vintage amps. These amps will never be able to reproduce those things I most like about the modern amp sound (I don't know about Phaelon), ie. the dynamics, immediacy and soundstaging. These things my Art Audio does magnificently, my CJ likely doesn't have a hope in these areas.
More to discover