2. amps-preamps
  3. 130301-2227

VAC vs Conrad Johnson Amps?

I have had my Conrad Johnson Premier 12 140w/side tube monoblocks for many years and loved them.  Essentially they sound to me like Michael Fremer had described them in his long-ago review:  the CJ tube magic, with zest, power and control.  They've been able to drive pretty much every pair of speakers I've had, large or small.

At the same time I've always had some lust for the VAC amplifiers.  It started long ago when I heard VAC amps make Thiels sound like I'd never heard them before - liquid, astonishingly transparent and musical.  I managed to get much of this with my CJ amps paired with my Thiel 3.7s (and other speakers), but given that transcendent moment with VAC, and knowing how many of the highest end speaker manufacturers choose to use VAC and display their speakers with VAC amps, I'm left wondering "What If..."

I see people happy with amps like the phi 200 but I sometimes see the Phi 300.1 become available second hand (the only way I could afford that one).  It's 150W per side vs my CJ 140W, and I've read the VAC has good reputation for bass performance (I like good bass control) and driving many big speakers.  I wonder if any of the possible quality of the VAC would be off-set by the purportedly better separation you get with monoblocks - e.g. my CJs.

As I mentioned, I'm currently using Thiel 3.7s, with some 2.7s arriving soon, but I also own MBL 121s and like to keep my options open.  I'm also interested in the Joseph Audio Perspective speakers so would want an amp that has good grip on ported speakers as well.  I wonder what I may gain, and/or what I might lose, going for a VAC phi 200 or especially the 300.1, vs my CJ Premier 12s.

Anyone who has helpful experience to contribute, please do so!  Thanks!


prof

Showing 6 responses by prof

prof OP
3,435 posts
 
mechans,

I'm investigating the idea of a VAC amp, but not sure I want to make that investment yet, which is why I'm seeking the experience of others.  The buy-and-try price is very hefty for us Canadians!

I do prefer Thiels on tubes (having heard them on both SS and tubes).

zipost,

I'm confused by your post.  What do you mean the specs are not close?
The wattage is almost the same.  And it's very strange to read someone saying CJ's don't have "sweetness" when that is one of their main features.  As for power...I kept reading the VAC is very powerful.
And I con't have a VAC so can't "stick with it."

Sorry...can't make heads or tales of what you wrote, could you be a little more clear?  Thank you.


prof OP
3,435 posts
 
Thank you Irsky!

Anyone have any idea of the sonic differences between the Phi 300.1
and the Phi 200?

On one hand my rack space is low and I like the idea of downsizing from 2 monoblock amps to a single amp - though of course I don't want to lose quality, and I presume VAC will be a step up.

On the other hand, the 200 is cheaper and can add a second one later.

Thoughts?
prof OP
3,435 posts
 
fjn04

Why would you go to a Vac Renaissance, after having owned the Phi 300.1?


tubegroover,

Thanks for the heads up!
prof OP
3,435 posts
 
Just want to say:

Thanks for all the input, fellas.

It turns out I'll have enough on my plate (financially) in sorting out my new speakers so I'll have to put off any amp upgrade for now.  (I was tempted by the VAC 300.1 for sale on audiogon).

I'll save this info for when I'm ready to buy VAC (if that happens).


prof OP
3,435 posts
 
pdreher,

Wow, that's the first time  I've ever heard someone refer to a CJ tube amp as sounding like solid state (especially an older CJ amp).

Thanks for the insight into the sonics of the VAC amps.

Some day...
prof OP
3,435 posts
 
lissnr,

I certainly agree about the attributes of the CJ Premier 12s.
"Balance" is the key description, and the one that Michael Fremer used as well.  When I tried various contender amps (at the time) there always seemed to be a sort sculpting (deliberate or not) of the sound - full but rolled off, extended but thinner, emphasis here, detraction there.  But with the CJs everything just seemed in perfect balance - they are almost like coherence-machines in terms of helping achieve that in any speakers I've used.  They somehow do the tube magic thing, while also disappearing because nothing wrong or obvious sticks out either. No fat bottom bass, rolled off highs or whatever.

I just figured that VAC may provide a step up from the CJs, perhaps in terms of further transparency or other goodies.
More to discover