Conrad Johnson Owners.com

My ‘real’ journey in high end began with a MFA Magus preamp and an Aston GFA-555. It was an introduction to tubes as well. Damn good piece of equipment that I had for 20 years. I finally bought a CJ PV 14 which bested it in A/B. I the used the Magus with the CJ preamp for a phono preamp and continue...

@big dog rj Well then, thoughts on a ART 150 versus a Premier 350?

I’m using one of these. Well, the A version. And yes, it says so on the serial number plate. I know the A versions have Vishay capacitors. It’s worked perfectly since 2003ish. Jeff told me on the phono a couple years ago that if they were to make this amp today, it would retail for at least $10,000.

I don’t know what models you’re considering, or your speakers, or your room, but you might consider the CJ amps as being synergistic with your CJ preamp (of which I also don’t know the model). What’s your CJ preamp and what speakers are you trying to drive, and what’s your room like? Currently usin...

Those are all top notch choices so it is going to be hard to go wrong in all honesty. Not really sure if there is a "performance winner" among them. I think this will come down mostly to "taste" and the only limitation I can see is that if you have a speaker that is really hard ...

I think we all can state that CJ preamps are best in class. I have used vacuum tube preamps with solid state amps for years. I am considering my next amp and my shortlist would be something like: DarTZeel NHB-108, Luxman M-900u, and the Gryphon Essence. I'm wondering about others experiences with ot...

I would be interested too.

I had a ET3SE that I bought directly from CJ after my PV14 blew up. Unbelievable, custom service by the way. Lived with it for several years and loved it. Huge improvement. A year ago, I saw a good deal for an ET5 and purchased it. When I bought the ET3, Jeff told me that as to the difference betwee...

Joe please post a comparo between ET-3SE and ET-5 when you get it! @kw6 Wow. The ET5 is like going to technicolor. everything is brighter, bigger, deeper... Three songs in - just amazing difference and I loved the ET3 SE. Now I'm frightened as to what the GAT could do! The base is richer and more c...

Roberto, Hmm, I don't have any. will have to look. This is my 6DJ8 type stash: (2)Amperex 6922 PQ Series White Label 1962 &1960 (1)Amperex 1962 ECC88 Holland ‘White Bugle Boy’ (1)Amperex 6922 Holland ‘White Bugle Boy’ (2)Siemens E188CC strong test used, white writing mid ‘60’s (3)Siemens E288CC ...

I'm surprised that no one has done a thread on this specific topic. Roneash has already pointed out that the filament voltage runs high on the ET series. I suppose it's that reason that Upscale tubes only recommends 6H23-EB Russian variants for durability. Having said that, I'm interested in people'...

In terms of power output the the PA-7 and MF-2300a are about equal. Both are really nice amps, no doubt about it. If I had a choice I would go with the MF-2300a. A few reasons: I think sonically it should pair better with the PV-14L It's a newer unit. Less risk of failure. Those extra 7 years could...

I burned it in for 300 hours before doing any serious listening. Will have to try a CCA tube at some point.

The ET3 SE definitely crushes the PV14. Huge soundstage floating in front of the speakers with the speakers disappearing. Great increase in detail with better bass. My wife said it sounded more real from ANOTHER room.

Big Dog RJ
No, not yet. It's "in the mail" as they say. I will report later. I'm using my MFA Magus right now - which sounds better than l remember.

Big Dog RJ, Oddly since I started this topic, the left channel went out in my PV 14. I retubed it and then the attenuator blew. I sent it back to CJ and they have offered me various options - one of which is a very attractive price for a ET3se in return for my preamp. I think I'm going to do it....

@andonis Have you tried different tubes in the ET-5? Have any impressions?

I own a PV 14ls and am looking to go to the next level. I do love the PV 14 though. I've considered a ACT 2 but, the odd tube puts me off. The Premier 16 takes (6)6922's and the ET 5 takes only one. However, you get the teflon capacitors with the ET 5 and 15 years of design advancement. Wondering if...