Integrateds: Why do they all SUCK?
MadavidO: This may not meet your exact, but a powerful and amazing Control Amp https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8e1gi-conrad-johnson-ca200-stereo-integrated-amplifier-ca-200-1... https://positive-feedback.com/Issue32/cj_ca200.htm |
To Those who dare to give the post their verbal thrashing. Get a life. People have different means and tastes, therefore your ever so mighty talking down to whomever, is not warranted. Don't respond if you don't like it. Bow out of the conversation and butt out. Keep your thoughts and let the others be. |
Conrad Johnson CA200: Similar in function to an integrated amplifier, a control amplifier offers the significant potential improvement of eliminating superfluous connections, external cabling, and inter-device connection considerations that limit conventional audio systems. But the control amplifier also eliminates an entire stage of audio circuitry (the line stage) and its inherent colorations. Most integrated amplifiers not only forgo the advantage of eliminating superfluous circuits, but also are cheapened to offer a low cost entry into a prestigious brand, thereby failing to achieve even the performance gains that could be afforded by integrating preamp and amp into a single package. By contrast, the CA200 circuits incorporate top quality parts (metal foil resistors, polystyrene and polypropylene capacitors, machined gold-plated connectors, etc.) to fully realize the dramatic potential of a control amplifier to enhance the immediacy of musical experience afforded by fine recordings. As a result, the CA200 is notable for its resolution of subtle dynamic shadings and palpable imaging, for a natural harmonic tonality, and extraordinary resolution. A half-scale version of the Premier 350 amplifier at the CA200’s price would be an excellent value. Add in the full switching and level control functionality of the control amplifier and it can be seen to be a genuine bargain. |
