Replacing Conrad Johnson PV-10

I replaced a PV-12 with a Modwright LS-100 a few years ago and have been very happy with it. I wasn’t unhappy with the PV-12 but it was hard on tubes (especially vintage) and the gain was high for an amp that I purchased. The LS-100 was just a better match but it did add some spooky details and depth to the sound that I didn’t have before. It is not as warm as the PV-12 though but warm enough for me. I would make sure the gain of any new pre-amp matches up with your amp like your PV10 does if you make a change. The PV12 gain was 18 on the line stage while the LS-100 is 12 so that gave me a significant increase in volume control.  1/3 of the way up on the CJ was about as loud as I wanted to go. 

Hope that helps. 

Thanks everyone for the help/suggestions and info.  To answer some of the question:

• Did roll the the tubes with spares and no changes
• Sent to CJ something like 30 years ago, they couldn't find the problem
• Have used Deoxit on knobs and connectors (but it has also been a few years)
• Location is central Indiana

I'll probably work on poking around a bit more and see what I can come up with.  Appreciate all the help.  

Intermittent output,  replace those IC relays.  

It is such a cheap part they should have done it just based on what the symptom was. 

well, if you like the classic conrad johnson sound, why not pick up a refurbed PV8 or PV5?