Which used CJ amp to buy?

[Paquini]

Hi forum dwellers,

I’ve been considering selling my current amp (Parasound A21) as well as my phono pre-amp (Parasound JC3+) and reinvesting into a used CJ tube amp. I wish I had an unlimited budget but that’s just not the reality for me. I was thinking of a used CJ tube amp. There are quite a few models from years past that all look appealing and I’m trying to narrow down the selection to a few models within a $2500-$5000 range used. I’m curious which models I should consider?

[AnotherJohnson]

Unless your Parasound gear is presenting an issue, you might be better off keeping it. Buying used CJ in the price range you seek can be a crap shoot. If you decide to pursue it, you would be well advised to get a “home trial” with a return option on the used gear.

[microstrip]

Buying used gear needs some expertise and prudence. Assuming you have both and can buy with safety and have assured service for the gear yo are thinking about I would be happier with any cj tube amplifier issued after the MV52 (inclusive) than with the Parasound - for example the PV10 with an MV52 are much more musical than the A21. Although hard to get IMO the MV125 is the amplifier to look for in the range of prices you refer.

[admin]

If you want to buy used then that opens up a lot of CJ options in that price range. If you want to look at new, then you are looking at a Classic 62 or the CAV45-s2 which is a controller amp so takes the place of both preamp and amp,... some really good bang for your buck there. As for the used market, I think it's a careful balance between age-performance-price.

We have a link on our site here: https://www.conradjohnsonowners.com/vie ... php?t=1971 , for a search aggregator of all CJ gear currently being sold on numerous listing signs. Is there something in particular that you were looking to get or completely an open slate?

[33 rpm]

As admin says, you have a lot of options in the used market. As a fellow PV10A owner, I'd suggest paying attention to the input sensitivity of the CJ amp you're considering. A quick check shows your Parasound has a 1V input sensitivity. So, maybe something similar in a CJ tube amp would give you the CJ sound you want but also give you useable range in the volume control. For example, both the MV125 mentioned above and the Premier 11 have a sensitivity around 0.9V...so, close to what you have now.

[Paquini]

Hi forum dwellers… thank you for the input. I’ve been strongly considering a CJ Classic 62SE. I’m curious if others here have one or have input on this model? Im curious as well about the tube compliment long term. I love exploring different tube options on my PV10a, especially vintage tubes from Europe. I could be wrong but the tube options for the KT120 seem limited compared to an amp with EL34s. I haven’t delved much into tube power amps yet so my knowledge of power amp tubes so hopefully for any thoughts on tube selection for the classic 62SE moving forward vs another CJ power amp that might allow for more tube rolling versatility. Thanks.

[admin]

I own the CJ ART amps. So I have 16 KT120's in there. I think they are absolutely wonderful tubes and there is good tube availability for purchase. I think the prices have even dropped to a certain degree since their peek. I think the Tong Sol made ones are by far the most popular but there are other manufactures. They are large tubes and thus are a little pricy if tube rolling is what you are going for. They will certainly cost more than some small input tube.

At the end of the day, the Classic 62SE is a great amp. I would be surprised if it doesn't meet your needs. But of course your ears are the final judge.