Conrad Johnson's Sonographe SA-250 or the SA-400?


Both of these amps unlike the MF series are Bipolar design rather than Mosfet. Although the Sonographe products are considered entry level for Conrad Johnson, there is nothing entry level about the sound quality or build quality! In fact I prefer the Sonographe sound to the MF series, maybe because I prefer the Bipolar sound now. Anyway I have owned more amps than allowable by law so when I first aquired an SA-250 I was immediately struck by the level of sound quality that it possesed. In fact this was exactly what I was looking for. This was an amp I could live with for a long time. From what I've gathered, the SA-250 was rated a Stereophile class B component, does anyone pay any attention to these ratings? Eventually I wanted more power & purchased the SA-400. Called CJ and they told me the sound of the SA-400 was identical to the SA-250 but with more power. I can now confirm this to be true. Conrad Johnson products are an excellent investment & the Sonograhe line is no different. Don't hesitate to give these amps a try, as they are major bargains on the used market.
phd
Just a question,does anybody know the differences between sa 250s.I have heard they made 2 different editions of the amp.Also does it differ with faceplates,mine has a silver faceplate.Thanks
Coffeey, you have the same older unit I had. If it has the two prong power cord that would confirm it. Your amp sounds spectacular but not too long ago Conrad Johnson offered a limited upgraded version that would have a captured three prong power cord. It also had some circuit upgrades done to it. Is this newer model better, who knows.
hey phd,3 prong power cord on my unit,if that goes for anything,i think i have heard both ways as far as binding posts go,red black black red,also red black red black,so who knows,all i know every time i fire it up it blows me away with its sound.
i just had to write again,first thanks to everybody who writes about this stuff,it totally fasinates me,but isnt it interesting the interest people have in this hobby,what a cool thing.
Coffeey, looks like you have the newer model! My SA-400 has the three prong plug as well. These differences probably should be addressed to Conrad Johnson for more accurate information. You can e-mail them as well. Enjoy!