Wanted: Pair of LP125M SE

[Tuggs]

They may be rare as hen's teeth, but where better to ask?

From what little bit of info I've been able to gather, this may have come with either 6550s, like the std. non-SE version, or KT120s.

I'm looking for the KT120 version. If there was no such animal, to quote the delightful Emily Litella, "Never mind!"

[SolderSlinger]

The LP125MSE exists. I've wanted a pair for a long time. If you go to the Conrad Johnson site and select the "Service and Support" tab, then the "model and circuit upgrades", the LP125M to LP125MSE upgrade is at the bottom of the list. I've only seen two pair listed for sale in the USA in approximately 8 years. Both started as LP125M and were upgraded to SE. One had new version Tung Sol 6550, and the second had Winged C 6550 tubes. Input tube is a M8080 (like a single triode 12AU7) with a single 6922 driver. They do pop up for sale in other countries more often. I'm not certain a KT120 will physically fit due to potential interference issue with the tube cage. Earlier amps like the Premier 11 & 12, and LP70S & LP140M have less height between the chassis and tube cage. Good luck with your search!

[Tuggs]

Thanks for the info. So it sounds like a factory KT120 build never existed, then?
I had Premier 12s, and liked the smaller form factor and very manageable weight per unit.

[SolderSlinger]

I believe a factory SE version did have KT120 tubes. When Spirit (spelling is incorrect) Audio went out of business they had factory LP125MSE with KT120 tubes. The LP66S2 and Classic 60SE stereo amps with same size chassis were fitted with KT120 tubes. My understanding is the LP66S and LP125M share the same mechanical package. It's easy to assume that a KT120 should fit in the LP125MSE, but I've have not seen one. More of be aware that if you do find a pair of LP125MSE amps, and want to run KT120 tubes with the cage on, make sure to verify fitment first.

If you're thinking mono 120w to 140w you could always get another pair of Premier 12 amps, or a LP140M. The LP140M already is a "SE", top of the line components used throughout. Of course you have to remove the cage from both to use KT120 tubes. Main difference between a LP125MSE and LP140M is the small signal tube complement, LP140M uses 3x 6922 tubes, and the LP125MSE uses 1x M8080 and 1x 6922.

I've owned the Premier 12, Premier 12 C1, and LP140M at the same time. They are all great amps. If stranded on a desert island I would be happy with any of the three. I've owned a Classic 60SE and currently own a LP125SA+ (+ designates SE) which both use a 6189 (12AU7) input tube. I really like the sound. Leans just a little towards the Premier 11/12, more towards the LP140MSE. The ARTsa uses the 6189, and the ART mono uses the M8080 (single triode 12AU7).

I currently have Premier 12 with Backert Labs input circuit (12AU7), a LP125SA+, and a pair of LP275M amps that I bought from Another Johnson. I'm transitioning my speakers from Quad ESL2905 to Apogee Diva's. I wanted the extra power for the Diva's. I've found that I like the sound of the 12AU7 amps. If I was stranded on an island with the Diva's I would want the LP275M. Further thought, without ever hearing them, I would want the ART monos.

If you can live with 60 watts, the Classis 60SE is a great amp.

Currently listed on AudioMart is a pair of LP125M (not SE), a pair of LP140M, and a LP125SA+ (my listing). The LP125SA+ is a great amp, but as you already mentioned, the 140W mono amps are lighter and smaller.

[Tuggs]

Typed up a lengthy reply, but apparently took too long. When I hit submit, it kicked me back to the login screen. Everything I wrote is gone. Ugh!!

To summarize in short, I have a GAT2 and Classic 60SE now and really like them. I wonder if Premier 12s, modded or not, or your 125sa+ would offer anything more to my pair of Spendor Classic 200ti.