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Went to buy Vandersteen 2C speakers and came home with a conrad-johnson Premier 11A.

I found a great deal on a pair of Vandersteen 2C speakers with Sound Anchor stands.  I didn’t need them, but they are identical to a pair that I had back in the 90s.  While I was there, the seller mentioned that he had an amp that he wanted to sell.  It was on a shelf in a basement collecting dust.  The price was right, so I bought it.  He said there are about 40 hours on the tubes.  Hopefully, the caps are ok.  I’m thinking I’ll try a Wiim Ultra streamer with volume control just to see if everything works.  I have old preamps by NAD and Rotel, but they aren't good ones.

Is there anything special that I should do before firing up the old girl?  This is my first tube amplifier. 

sls883
sls883 OP
1,053 posts
 

@alvinnir2 thank you for the information!

I'm currently using Linlai E-6SN7 tubes in my LTA preamp.  I've also used various NOS tubes, but none of types that the Premier 11A requires. 

quincy
474 posts
 

I owned an 11a for many years!  Great amp!   It is phase inverting with zero feedback.  So, you will have to flip your speaker cables at the speakers, red to black and black to red.  Prior to spending monies sending it to CJ, get it fired up in your system!!

quincy
474 posts
 

The 6550 power tubes are an excellent choice for this amp.  When it comes time to replace them try Electro Harmonix!  Have fun with your new amp!!

sls883 OP
1,053 posts
 

@quincy Thank you!  

 

quincy
474 posts
 

PS... CJ equipment is built like a tank!  

I've a premier 17ls pre amp for almost 35 years.  No issues.  Also a CJ LP66S amp for 25 years, no issues.

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