Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J) PV-8 Preamplifier (Tube) by soldermizer

Model:	PV-8
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$600
Description:	Vacuum Tube Phone & Line Preamp
Manufacturer URL:	Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J)
Manufacturer URL:	Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J)

Review by soldermizer ( A ) on May 10, 2005 at 18:29:58
IP Address: 172.134.223.195

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for the PV-8

Bought for about $600 on ebay. This 18-year old pre was in good but not perfect condition. The front panel needed to be readjusted for the tape monitor buttons to work. Two rubber feet are missing (but new replacements on order from factory.) Aside from a few scratchy controls, the above speaks well of the quality of the construction and support available from CJ. Volume pot is so well armored apparently it's impossible to even squirt it with tuner cleaner.
Sound: really good. Get depth in sound field that is missing with other cheaper pres (e.g. carver C4000), sometimes 3-D effects comparable to Carver's "Sonic Holography" but without the gimmicks. Sorry I don't know enough to describe well the qualities of sound, just say it's a step up from my stock Dynaco PAS-2.

Product Weakness: CJ stuff runs hot; I keep cover off. Big-time gain in line stage; I had to build an attenuator.
Product Strengths: Excellent sound CJ known for. Excellent build & support. It's used so you don't take a beating on re-sale. Tweakable (but I'm scared to, note my name.)

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Carver M-400t
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Duh, the one reviewed
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	XM, DVD, FM
Speakers:	Magnepan 1.6QR
Cables/Interconnects:	brand x
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	you name it
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	drywall und tile
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 days
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	CJ stuff runs hot; I keep cover off. Big-time gain in line stage; I had to build an attenuator.
Product Strengths:	Excellent sound CJ known for. Excellent build & support. It's used so you don't take a beating on re-sale. Tweakable (but I'm scared to, note my name.)