2. amps-preamps
  3. 1280076126

Pros/Cons of moving from CJ PV 10 to SS?

I currently have a CJ PV10 for my preamp. I’m considering replacing it with a solid state preamp around $2000. What are the pros and cons of such a move?

Reasons for the move:
The CJ doesn’t have much in the way of resolution.
I will get a high pitched whine after its been on for several hours. Its done this with all the tubes I’ve tried.

Current set up:

Rotel cd player with PS Audio Dac, w/level three Cullen mods.
Amp: Wyred ST 500 (Replaced aging PS Audio 240 watt mono blocks. The Wyred sounds better).
Speakers: Energy 22.3. This was one step down from the Veritas series. It’s a bit forward sounding. I expect to replace it with either Dynaudio Focus 22.3’s or Vandersteen 3A Signatures.

Music: Almost anything acoustic, 60’s rock.
oldnslow
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
After reading the responses since my first posting I would still advise you to contact RHB Dezigns and talk to Bob or his son. These guys really get it and will tell you what they can and cannot do.

Remember, they are not part swappers. They diagnose the gear and propose solutions that can get you where you want to be.

You have nothing to lose in contacting them before saying goodbye to a classic piece of gear.

All the best!
oldnslow OP
2 posts
 
Thank you everyone for the responses! I think I'll check out rhb first.
ctanaka
2 posts
 
I own a Conrad-Johnson PV-11 that exhibited the ringing issue intermittently. The problem would temporarily go away if I turned the preamp off for a minute and turned it back on. The problem completely disappeared when I added a PS-Audio P-600 power conditioner to my system. Go figure.

Here is a link to an old thread that discusses ringing 12au7's in C-J preamps.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1280076126&openfrom&1&4#1

I also use a SS McCormack MAP-1 preamp for home theater which is very nice. It is very clean, detailed, and quieter than the PV-11. If you are looking for that kind of sound take a look at McCormack. I still prefer the PV-11 for music though.
More to discover