2. amps-preamps
  3. 1236808120

Opinions on vintage cj amps and Teflon cap mods

I'm seeking opinions on having a vintage amp modified/updated. While I'm enjoying my conrad johnson Premier V as is, I can hear some significant differences when compared to some of the more modern amps I've heard. In my opinion, the sound I'm getting from my system is too soft, particularly the leading edge of notes and the upper base/lower mids. Decay, air, ambiance and overall musicality are great IMO. conrad johnson is offering modifications to the Premier 4&5 amplifiers which would include a new power supply and Teflon capacitors. What's crucial to me, is that I'm looking to improve the amplifiers performance, not just change it. The cj person I talked with said they've modified a couple of the Premier 4s with "smashing success". Thanks in advance for your experiences and opinions.
phaelon

Showing 1 response by avguygeorge

avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
I have owned the 5's and the 8's (about 2 years on each and about 8/10 years ago.)While they were hot stuff back then it's not hard to trounce them with today's amps.---Whatever you do you will have a very old amp that you could throw lots of money into; which you'll never re coupe.
If you got a hold of the CJ350,a SS amp;hooked it up to your speakers,if they are revealing enough---you wouldn't believe your ears.(or miss the tubes)---BTW I had Bill Thallman redo my 5's. My 8's were the triode/only version.---Compared to the SS amp these tubes amps are the poster picture of "soft-mushy" in tube amp design.
More to discover