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Conrad Johnson Classic 120se vs. Cary Audio Design CAD120 MKII?

Hi All -

I'm looking to purchase an American made tube power amplifier of at least 100 watts. Looking to purchase new as I'm keen on a warranty. If I do have issues, I'd really like to be able to have a US-based manufacturer be able to address any repairs issues. 

Not interested in mono-blocks due to space constraints and my wife's aversion to more stuff in the living room. 

I'm ready to pull the trigger on the Conrad Johnson Classic 120se. 

I have, however, realized that Cary Audio makes a 120 watt tube amp that is about half the price of the Conrad Johnson 120SE model I'm ready to purchase. 

My question to you: 

Does anyone have familiarity with these two models? In terms of sound quality, is the Conrad Johnson worth the extra cost? In terms of reliability, can anyone share their experience with these two brands? Is there a difference in house sound? 

 

I terms of my own preferences, I'm looking for air, openness, warmth and an holographic sound. 

I really appreciate your feedback! 

My gear: 

Cardas clear power and speaker cables 
Puritan 136 purifier 
Innuous ZENith music server 
Merason DAC1 
Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp 
Currently using a Audio Hungary 100 Watt tube power amp 


Fingers crossed someone can provide perspective on Conrad Johnson vs. Cary Audio 




 

bluethinker66
decooney
1,905 posts
 

@bluethinker66 by chance have you heard any of the older gear from Cary or older generation components from CJ?

The reason I ask is I’ve owned multiple Cary units and friends with CJ who own both. Personally I’ve listened to more of the older version units vs the more modern ones. In fact, we’ve been in discussion this week about this particular topic.

I can share the Cary 120 is going to sound a little different than some some of the other Cary units folks have mentioned here. And, the same goes for the latest "se" version of CJ too. I’d recommend visiting the conradjohnson owners forum too.

My recommendation is you take extra time to speak with owners of both on phone calls and discuss in more detail sharing with them more about type of sound you enjoy more - the older lush sound or the newer modern sound some of these units have, fwiw. A buddy of mine just received his older version CJ unit today, preferring it over some of the newer SE designs as one example. We agreed one thing, "it all comes down to preference, and newer designs are not always better for everyone".

mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 

Is there any reason the Rogue Audio Stereo 100 isn’t added to the CJ, Cary list of American made 100wpc tube power amps?

bluethinker66 OP
42 posts
 

@decooney - Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I appreciate your guidance. 

@mjcmt - Hi! I'd consider the Rogue Audio 100. Have you had experience with that particular amp? If so, I'd love to hear your POV on its merits. 

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,371 posts
 

Conrad Johnson ....no doubt

jeffseight's avatar
jeffseight
574 posts
 

I owned the Cary 120 MKII for a couple years. Paired with an Audible Illusions

Pre and older Tannoy FSMs the sound was warm and engaging.

I thought I was done.

When I had to take the Cary in for something-and there is always something

with tubes- I bought a pair of Pass Amp Camp monoblocks. 6wpc. $300

to tide me over.

I heard detail I never knew was on the recording. Fast Forward- I bought

a Pass Labs INT25 and never looked back. You want a well built product

built in the US with a great staff? 

Otherwise order two of your Tube products so you always have one working.

 

 

 

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