I have my first Conrad Johnson pre amp arriving next week. It is an ET3 SE. I'm now debating a few options for a well matching amplifier to drive my Martin Logan Vista's.
I'm looking for thoughts from experienced owners about the differences between older, formerly high-end amps and the current similarly priced entry level CJ. Specifically there are Premier 11a's and Premier 12's that crop up used quite regularly. How would these (after brought back to factory specs by CJ) compare to a Classic 60SE?
Any thoughts and suggestions are welcome. Thanks!
-R
Restored vs Modern Amps
Re: Restored vs Modern Amps
I would say a $7000 amp made in 90-00 is always better than $3000 modern amp. In your case, I would prefer a used Premier 12 or Premier 140 over Classic 60SE. This is only my personal speculation since I have never heard those amps before.
Re: Restored vs Modern Amps
I completely agree with this viewpoint. The only exclusion I would put on it is if the amp is very old, pushing 30 years, caps do have a tendency to sometimes go bad. In that case, one has to weight the cost of having to replace the caps compared to a newer unit (which may be good for many years to come).AudioDIY wrote:I would say a $7000 amp made in 90-00 is always better than $3000 modern amp. In your case, I would prefer a used Premier 12 or Premier 140 over Classic 60SE. This is only my personal speculation since I have never heard those amps before.
-admin
Home Theater in Member Gallery
Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
Home Theater in Member Gallery
Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
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Joe Appierto
- Pro Master
- Posts: 649
- Joined: Fri Aug 24, 2012 5:04 pm
- Location: NJ
Re: Restored vs Modern Amps
True, but it could also be seen as a golden opportunity to have the C1 Teflon cap upgrade done.admin wrote:I completely agree with this viewpoint. The only exclusion I would put on it is if the amp is very old, pushing 30 years, caps do have a tendency to sometimes go bad. In that case, one has to weight the cost of having to replace the caps compared to a newer unit (which may be good for many years to come).AudioDIY wrote:I would say a $7000 amp made in 90-00 is always better than $3000 modern amp. In your case, I would prefer a used Premier 12 or Premier 140 over Classic 60SE. This is only my personal speculation since I have never heard those amps before.
Oppo BDP-105D and PSA DS DAC
Conrad Johnson CA200
MartinLogan EML
In-Akustik Exzellenz Cat 6 Ethernet and HDMI, Q-Audio IC and speaker cables, and Acrolink 6N P4030 power cords; PSA Duet PLC and Juice Bar, Oyaide R1 wall outlets
Conrad Johnson CA200
MartinLogan EML
In-Akustik Exzellenz Cat 6 Ethernet and HDMI, Q-Audio IC and speaker cables, and Acrolink 6N P4030 power cords; PSA Duet PLC and Juice Bar, Oyaide R1 wall outlets