LP-140M

[jahatl513]

Can anyone with LP experience relate for me what the LP 140Mono’s sound like. My preference so far has been Prem 12 Mono’s, Prem 11, Classic 120 ART 150 amps; a short stint with Prem 140’s... I just wonder what the short life of the amp sounds like?

[Big Dog RJ]

G'day Jahat,

I've posted about the overall sound and upgrades of the LP series amplifiers on other posts, however there's always a few more points to touch upon, in summary:

1. The LP140M's are pretty much the reference level further to that of the Prem12's.
2. Although identical in main circuit design to every other LP series amplifiers, these have Teflon caps and high grade film & metal foil resistors and caps in critical paths of the main circuit.
3. They are quite powerful and deliver plenty more current, only to be surpassed by the larger versions, LP260M & LP275M. These larger amplifiers not only deliver more power but also have a higher Class A bias operation, they're capable of handling more difficult loads.

Having said that, it all depends on your main speakers, their impedence curve, efficiency and room size. If the load is fairly benign, room size average and speakers fairly efficient, then Prem11A, Prem12's, and LP125M would be perfect. As the load gets more difficult to handle, efficiency is fairly low and room size gets bigger, obviously the larger amplifiers would suit better; LP140M, LP260M, LP275M, ART monoblocks and ART300.

CJ is one of those companies that makes power amplifiers with a real sense of purpose, not just delivering raw power. As they increase in size and power, so do their power supplies and as a result they deliver serious levels of current, leading to higher Class A bias. It is this Class A bias that delivers that extra muscle in fully controlling and gripping the speakers.

As you experience each of these amplifiers as the rated power increases, you will notice this difference straight away. The authority, drive, control and finesse they deliver is quite different across each model. Of course the CJ signature sound is always there, that remains the same, and that is what attracts CJ owners!

If you've experienced the earlier versions, such as the Prem11A, Prem12's and versions prior to that, the LP140M's are at a superior level. Then come the LP260m & LP275m which are the big guns... now with that you can imagine just how good the ART monoblocks and ART300's are. Those are top of the line, in terms of absolute quality, power, drive, control & grip, and most of all that added Class A bias. That makes the most significant difference.

Then we have the new Classic 120, CJ's real treasure! It's a true "Classic" in every sense of the term. It offers just the right amount of power, high current required, stable power supplies, and doesn't flinch under stress. It's not overbearing nor under powered, and will suit nearly any type of highend installation. Upgrade the Classic to the SE version and you have a formidable power amplifier that will satisfy even the fussiest audiophile.

CJ over a certain period put out several versions of Stereo amplifiers after retiring the Prem140; LP70s, LP125sa, ARTsa, and so on. All of these were combined to arrive at the Classic 120. Some say that the ART150 is the higher grade version of the Classic 120, which originated all the way from the Prem11A. Maybe so but quite different in nature, for one uses the classic EL34's or KT120's to your personal preference, and the other uses only the KT150. No matter how powerful, dynamic or robust the KT150 topology sounds, there are still a large number of audiophiles who simply prefer the EL34's and KT120. That's why they termed it "Classic." That full warmth, enveloping sound and coloured golden glow was the classic sound of tubes.

The ART amplifiers OTOH are a different breed. Far more neutral sounding and closer to the original recording, and far less coloured, probably no golden glow whatsoever. Hence, some don't prefer this, I'm for one that prefers the Classic sound.

Cheers Jahat, hope that helps.
Do enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ

[SolderSlinger]

LP140M amps have TEFLON capacitors and Vishay resistors in key portions of the audio circuitry. There is no SE upgrade for the LP140M. It came stock with the superior components. Not including the ART amps, amplifiers after the LP70S, LP140M, and LP275M were thrifted. This activity included industrial design and circuit component cost reductions. The SE option was added in retrospect to provide a path to get back to the same level of circuit component quality as earlier designs.

[admin]

SolderSlinger,
First, welcome to CJO, great to have you with us.

What you say makes complete sense. Going with the highest quality (most expensive) parts is going to add a hefty premium to the price tag. I think having SE editions allows a company to offer different tiers of components without the major expense of circuit redesigns and tooling for production components.

[smodtactical]

G'day Jahat,

I've posted about the overall sound and upgrades of the LP series amplifiers on other posts, however there's always a few more points to touch upon, in summary:

1. The LP140M's are pretty much the reference level further to that of the Prem12's.
2. Although identical in main circuit design to every other LP series amplifiers, these have Teflon caps and high grade film & metal foil resistors and caps in critical paths of the main circuit.
3. They are quite powerful and deliver plenty more current, only to be surpassed by the larger versions, LP260M & LP275M. These larger amplifiers not only deliver more power but also have a higher Class A bias operation, they're capable of handling more difficult loads.

Having said that, it all depends on your main speakers, their impedence curve, efficiency and room size. If the load is fairly benign, room size average and speakers fairly efficient, then Prem11A, Prem12's, and LP125M would be perfect. As the load gets more difficult to handle, efficiency is fairly low and room size gets bigger, obviously the larger amplifiers would suit better; LP140M, LP260M, LP275M, ART monoblocks and ART300.

CJ is one of those companies that makes power amplifiers with a real sense of purpose, not just delivering raw power. As they increase in size and power, so do their power supplies and as a result they deliver serious levels of current, leading to higher Class A bias. It is this Class A bias that delivers that extra muscle in fully controlling and gripping the speakers.

As you experience each of these amplifiers as the rated power increases, you will notice this difference straight away. The authority, drive, control and finesse they deliver is quite different across each model. Of course the CJ signature sound is always there, that remains the same, and that is what attracts CJ owners!

If you've experienced the earlier versions, such as the Prem11A, Prem12's and versions prior to that, the LP140M's are at a superior level. Then come the LP260m & LP275m which are the big guns... now with that you can imagine just how good the ART monoblocks and ART300's are. Those are top of the line, in terms of absolute quality, power, drive, control & grip, and most of all that added Class A bias. That makes the most significant difference.

Then we have the new Classic 120, CJ's real treasure! It's a true "Classic" in every sense of the term. It offers just the right amount of power, high current required, stable power supplies, and doesn't flinch under stress. It's not overbearing nor under powered, and will suit nearly any type of highend installation. Upgrade the Classic to the SE version and you have a formidable power amplifier that will satisfy even the fussiest audiophile.

CJ over a certain period put out several versions of Stereo amplifiers after retiring the Prem140; LP70s, LP125sa, ARTsa, and so on. All of these were combined to arrive at the Classic 120. Some say that the ART150 is the higher grade version of the Classic 120, which originated all the way from the Prem11A. Maybe so but quite different in nature, for one uses the classic EL34's or KT120's to your personal preference, and the other uses only the KT150. No matter how powerful, dynamic or robust the KT150 topology sounds, there are still a large number of audiophiles who simply prefer the EL34's and KT120. That's why they termed it "Classic." That full warmth, enveloping sound and coloured golden glow was the classic sound of tubes.

The ART amplifiers OTOH are a different breed. Far more neutral sounding and closer to the original recording, and far less coloured, probably no golden glow whatsoever. Hence, some don't prefer this, I'm for one that prefers the Classic sound.

Cheers Jahat, hope that helps.
Do enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ

Do you think the LP260M SE is as good or potentially better than the LP140M ?

My understanding is that the LP140M has more vishay foil resistors in the circuits than the 260M SE.

[Big Dog RJ]

I would probably look at it this way:

LP140M: within the 140w - 150w/ch RMS power rating. Monoblocks at their finest, well capable of driving nearly anything, no issues in most cases.

LP260Mse: "High Power" Monoblocks rated at 260w - 300w, will have absolutely no issues driving anything, larger power supplies, higher current, higher voltages, more of everything required to drive, control and fully grip difficult loads.

So both are based on Class A circuits, having Class AB Output stages. The LP140M will deliver a certain amount of Class A bias before it switches into Class AB when pushed.
The LP260Mse will have a higher Class A bias before it switches into Class AB. It's this higher Class A bias that will be used to drive most speaker loads effectively. Only if and when you push the LP260Mse to very high levels, will it outperform the LP140M.

It's designed to handle more notorious impedence swings and will cruise along driving difficult loads as compared to the LP140M. So it all depends on your speakers, room and listening habits.

1. If your speakers are hard to drive efficiently?
2 The room is fairly large?
3. You like to listen at high levels? Full dynamic swings, limitless extensions and that full slam of the performance in full presence?
Then the LP260Mse will deliver!

OTOH;
1. Your speakers are quite efficient, not difficult to drive.
2. The room is of average size, not too large.
3. You enjoy listening to music at low to moderate levels, something to relax to and enjoy at late night sessions.
The LP140M will be more than adequate.

I wouldn't say that any of the two types of monoblocks are better than other, no. It all depends on the above and of course your source gear and ancillary cables.

Cheers, RJ