Conrad Johnson Phono Preamps

Thanks for the responses, gentlemen.

I had an unforeseen opportunity come about yesterday and bought a Premier 15. I also have CJ's Premier 12 mono blocks and their Premier 16LS Preamplifier. So, this should all work together nicely.

I realize this limits me in cartridge, but I'm old school and love the CJ Premier equipment. I'll be fine. 

Thank you, @marco1 for sharing your experience with this piece, stating "so if you like the CJ golden sound, you’ll love this pre" I absolutely do. AND "per Bob, he did not recommend using his SUT (any ratio) with the Pr.15" That's good to know.

Thank you, @billstevenson for stating "You can’t go wrong with one from Bob’s Devices.  His SUTs sound great". Should I ever change this setup out and need a SUT, I will start here.

Thank you, @ghdprentice for the word of caution!

Your Cartridge output of 1.0 mV is a problem, too weak for most MM RIAA and too strong for most SUTs 

And, let’s not forget, some people get HUM from some Grado Cartridges

so, love CJ, get thee a MM cartridge with a normal high output of 3 to 5 mV to go straight into a MM RIAA input.

and, next get a true low output MC cartridge, with output of say 0.3 to 0.5 mV that requires a SUT, perhaps 10:1, so out of the SUT would be 3 to 5 mv

And, if you go LOMC, you need to learn about impedance. What fun!

I got help here, and put this on the site after making my 1st MC choice, AT33PTG/II

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11318

Hello RB,  I'm going to throw the monkey wrench into this post.

I am a huge C-J fan.  I had a EF-1,(gave it to the daughter) still have a Premier 17ls pre-amp, and LP66S amp.  Last year I was having the same thoughts as you are now.  I decided to try a Schitt Audio Skoll F Phono Stage.  $400 and loaded with enough features for any Audiophile.  If you don't like it, they will take it back and refund you the full amount.  I hooked the Skoll F up and haven't looked back.  I've been very pleased, and have said so on this forum!  I recommend you give them a try.  Good equipment doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg.  Good luck!  Lou

The CJ Premier 15 is excellent but you would need a head amp if you use a low output MC cartridge.  I run one in one of my systems and use a very cost effective Hagerman Piccolo head amp with excellent results.

Call CJ and ask the same question.  Bill Conrad will probably answer the phone.