Thread: Really liking the Conrad Johnson
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March 11, 2019, 07:49 PM #1
Really liking the Conrad Johnson
I am new to this forum. I have just got two older pieces of Conrad Johnson gear. I got a MV 55 amp and a PV 12 pre amp. I will tell you this one thing. I have had lots of gear over the years but man this stuff sounds really nice. I like to hear goo mids and highs and it produces that. It is a real smooth sound. I am really liking what I am hearing from this equipment.
1. Amps, Conrad Johnson MV 55, QuickSilver 8417 monos, Aragaon 4004 MKII, Nakamichi PA 7
2. Pre Amps, Conrad Johnson PV 12, VTL 2.5, QuickSIlver Tube line stage
3. Speakers, Sonus Faber Grand Piano, Grand Piano Home, Concertino, M@K S-1B, Monitor Audio
4. Turntables, Marantz TT 15, VPI Travler, Project 2excellence
5. CD players, Rega Apollo, Jupitar, California Audio
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March 11, 2019, 08:17 PM #2
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
Congratulations!
I absolutely love CJ gear, and my GAT2 especially.
Welcome to the forum.Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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March 11, 2019, 08:55 PM #3
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
1. Amps, Conrad Johnson MV 55, QuickSilver 8417 monos, Aragaon 4004 MKII, Nakamichi PA 7
2. Pre Amps, Conrad Johnson PV 12, VTL 2.5, QuickSIlver Tube line stage
3. Speakers, Sonus Faber Grand Piano, Grand Piano Home, Concertino, M@K S-1B, Monitor Audio
4. Turntables, Marantz TT 15, VPI Travler, Project 2excellence
5. CD players, Rega Apollo, Jupitar, California Audio
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March 11, 2019, 09:15 PM #4
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
The GAT2 is the current top of the line preamp. I've had more than my share of CJ gear over the years but nothing ever came close to sounding like music should sound.
You obviously have great taste Ha!
Thank you for the forum compliments. We have a great group of audiophiles here and I'm grateful for the members here.Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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March 11, 2019, 09:46 PM #5
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
Welcome to AS.
Nice Gear-----------------
Brian
Main System - Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables
Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables
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March 11, 2019, 10:35 PM #6
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Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
Welcome. I like CJ as well and used to own the PV14ls2, the CT-6 and a couple ov MV60's converted to mono. Really enjoyable sound. The pieces you have are a bit older.
Curious how the CJ compares to the VTL you have?Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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March 11, 2019, 10:40 PM #7
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Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
Welcome to the AS forum, Ken? I know you from AK!
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March 11, 2019, 10:41 PM #8
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March 12, 2019, 02:20 AM #9
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Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
Welcome. Are you doing mch? (seeing the 5.0 in your signature). Still using my MET-1 for my multichannel files. Nice, elegant machine.
LarryAnalog-VPIClassic3-3DArm,Lyra Skala+MiyajimaZeroMono,2xAmpex ATR-102,Otari MX5050B2, Merrill Trident Tape Preamp, Herron VTPH-2A&BottleheadPhonoPre,
Dig Rip-Pyramix,IzotopeRX3Adv,MykerinosCard,PacificMicroso nicsModel2 AD
Dig Play-Lampi Horizon, mch NADAC Roon/HQPlayer,Oppo105
Electronics-DoshiPre,CJ MET1mchPre,Cary2A3monoamps
Speakers-AvantgardeDuosLR,3SolosC,LR,RR
Other-512 Engineering Tim Marutani Symmetrical Power IsoTrans and cables,AudioDiskVinylCleaner,
Music-2.3KR2Rtapes,1.5KCD's,500SACDs,60TBripped files
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March 12, 2019, 12:12 PM #10
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
1. Amps, Conrad Johnson MV 55, QuickSilver 8417 monos, Aragaon 4004 MKII, Nakamichi PA 7
2. Pre Amps, Conrad Johnson PV 12, VTL 2.5, QuickSIlver Tube line stage
3. Speakers, Sonus Faber Grand Piano, Grand Piano Home, Concertino, M@K S-1B, Monitor Audio
4. Turntables, Marantz TT 15, VPI Travler, Project 2excellence
5. CD players, Rega Apollo, Jupitar, California Audio
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March 12, 2019, 12:16 PM #11
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
I like the VTL alot. Is just a line stage but it has nice sound. I have some pretty good tubes in it. I ran it with a Nakamichi PA 7 and a McCormack DNA .05 gold mod I just sold. It did a real nice job. I have it now playing with a Aragon 4004 MKII. I think for me I like what the Conrad Johnson is doing a little more. Not sure what the sound is except real smooth and nice. I have never had a set up like this that I just did not want to stop listening to the music. I would like to know about those mono amps. I have a set of Quicksilver 8417 mono amps I really like. They were my first favorite but now I think my second best.
1. Amps, Conrad Johnson MV 55, QuickSilver 8417 monos, Aragaon 4004 MKII, Nakamichi PA 7
2. Pre Amps, Conrad Johnson PV 12, VTL 2.5, QuickSIlver Tube line stage
3. Speakers, Sonus Faber Grand Piano, Grand Piano Home, Concertino, M@K S-1B, Monitor Audio
4. Turntables, Marantz TT 15, VPI Travler, Project 2excellence
5. CD players, Rega Apollo, Jupitar, California Audio
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March 12, 2019, 01:55 PM #12
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
When I had my original GAT with my ART monos on my Studio2, it was pure heaven. It was just way too many tubes for me but great memories.
You’ll notice with CJ, not only smooth, but layered, tremendous depth, 3D and amazing separation. You don’t immediately notice it, but the more you listen the more you realize how musical and right CJ sounds. It’s just wonderful.Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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March 12, 2019, 05:25 PM #13
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
I am right now listening to some Adele on Vinyl. I have not really had a chance to get to listen to the phono stage. WOW it is really nice and you are right i can hear so much separation. I can hear ever detail but so smooth. I can hear all of the different instruments. I can even hear the slides of the fingers on the strings and so life like. Oh did I say I am a Conrad Johnson fan. Truthfully I was not a big fan of the gold look. After hearing what this gear can do I really like the looks of it. I bet the newer gear is simply unreal.
1. Amps, Conrad Johnson MV 55, QuickSilver 8417 monos, Aragaon 4004 MKII, Nakamichi PA 7
2. Pre Amps, Conrad Johnson PV 12, VTL 2.5, QuickSIlver Tube line stage
3. Speakers, Sonus Faber Grand Piano, Grand Piano Home, Concertino, M@K S-1B, Monitor Audio
4. Turntables, Marantz TT 15, VPI Travler, Project 2excellence
5. CD players, Rega Apollo, Jupitar, California Audio
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March 12, 2019, 06:20 PM #14
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
As a youngster there were two brands that I loved to look at and listen to in the stereo store. McIntosh and Conrad Johnson.
I’m glad you are loving the gear.Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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March 12, 2019, 10:52 PM #15
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
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- St. Louis, MO, USA
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- 3,054
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
I believe the MV60 was the next model after the MV55. The MV60 was really good though, one review said it was better than the Premier 11 by comparison. The MV60 used EL34's for the great midrange, the MV60se used 6550's which gave up a bit of the sweetness for better bass slam.
Anyway, the MV60 is a stereo amp. I bought a 2nd one, then shipped both back to CJ who converted them to mono for me. Very reasonable I must say.
If they still offer that service you could do the same with your 55. You'd just have to find another 55. CJ was very good with making sure each amp had similar specs. They had to replace a couple miner things to make the amps match.
I kept the cages off my amps, my brother used to say I had a Frankstein stereo, referencing all the glowing tubes.
Joe, it would be interesting to hear CJ and ARC together. CJ sounded to me to have a nice dark background, where ARC has this sort of white background. Would they cancel, one be dominate.....Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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March 12, 2019, 11:38 PM #16
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
Interesting about ARC and CJ. One thing I’d be concerned about would be mixing balanced with single ended. Some say it doesn’t matter but from my experience and that of friends, it really does make a difference. Some pieces need balanced and some are fine single ended.
I do think you are right about the CJ taming and making the most of the ARC amp. I definitely think the new Ref 160m is better than previous amps so that would be my choice to pair with the GAT2.Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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March 13, 2019, 12:27 PM #17
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
Mr Peabody that makes sense now. I was looking last night and saw the MV60 as a single amp. McCormack will do that also. Is it pretty costly to do that. I bet those were some great sounding amps. I really in the small room I am in have plenty of power. I see you are in St Louis right up the road. I always look at your area Craigslist lots of audio guys up there.
1. Amps, Conrad Johnson MV 55, QuickSilver 8417 monos, Aragaon 4004 MKII, Nakamichi PA 7
2. Pre Amps, Conrad Johnson PV 12, VTL 2.5, QuickSIlver Tube line stage
3. Speakers, Sonus Faber Grand Piano, Grand Piano Home, Concertino, M@K S-1B, Monitor Audio
4. Turntables, Marantz TT 15, VPI Travler, Project 2excellence
5. CD players, Rega Apollo, Jupitar, California Audio
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March 13, 2019, 04:45 PM #18
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- Nov 2013
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- St. Louis, MO, USA
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Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
It has been several years but I think it was only $150.00 per amp, I can't remember if I had to pay shipping both ways.
I haven't been to CL in a while. Normally you wade through too much crap to find anything of interest.
We have a group Gateway Audio Society on Audio Circle if interested. There is a "Flea Market" thread where items are sold. Many of the group are really into vintage gear.
Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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March 13, 2019, 05:36 PM #19
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
1. Amps, Conrad Johnson MV 55, QuickSilver 8417 monos, Aragaon 4004 MKII, Nakamichi PA 7
2. Pre Amps, Conrad Johnson PV 12, VTL 2.5, QuickSIlver Tube line stage
3. Speakers, Sonus Faber Grand Piano, Grand Piano Home, Concertino, M@K S-1B, Monitor Audio
4. Turntables, Marantz TT 15, VPI Travler, Project 2excellence
5. CD players, Rega Apollo, Jupitar, California Audio
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March 13, 2019, 07:51 PM #20
Re: Really liking the Conard Johnson
Small typo in the thread's title...simple observation.
_____
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"And it Stoned me to my Soul" • Van Morrison
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March 13, 2019, 07:54 PM #21
Re: Really liking the Conrad Johnson
Fixed
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
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March 13, 2019, 11:36 PM #22
Re: Really liking the Conrad Johnson
NorthStar that is a good one. I have been to Vancouver back in 1986. I went up there to lift against Team Canada in Powerlifting. It was such a beautiful place.
1. Amps, Conrad Johnson MV 55, QuickSilver 8417 monos, Aragaon 4004 MKII, Nakamichi PA 7
2. Pre Amps, Conrad Johnson PV 12, VTL 2.5, QuickSIlver Tube line stage
3. Speakers, Sonus Faber Grand Piano, Grand Piano Home, Concertino, M@K S-1B, Monitor Audio
4. Turntables, Marantz TT 15, VPI Travler, Project 2excellence
5. CD players, Rega Apollo, Jupitar, California Audio
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March 15, 2019, 07:09 PM #23
Re: Really liking the Conrad Johnson
Cool Mike; Conrad sounds much better than Conard.
_____
Hi Vintage, Vancouver is not too bad ...
• https://www.straight.com/news/121465...ty-life-survey
We can do better; improve the air quality, planting more trees, reconnect the land with our ancestors, protect it with our heart and soul, eradicate any negative influence from the outside in times of chaos, play the music of eternal bliss...Classical, Blues, Jazz, New Age, Tango, Flamenco, Gypsy, International, Africa, French, Opera, Chamber, Piano, Saxophone, Cello, Acoustic bass, Drums of rhythm, Violins, Alto Flutes, Trumpets, Trombones, Accordions and Harps.~ Bob ~
"And it Stoned me to my Soul" • Van Morrison
Click ♪ Audiophile Audition
Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)
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March 16, 2019, 04:57 PM #24
Re: Really liking the Conrad Johnson
"FIXED"
Bill will be pleased, thank you.
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