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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J) Premier 14 Preamplifier (Tube) by NeuGeo

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REVIEW: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J) Premier 14 Preamplifier (Tube)

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Model: Premier 14
Category: Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $3495. (new)
Description: single ended triode linestage
Manufacturer URL: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J)
Manufacturer URL: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J)

Review by NeuGeo ( A ) on June 29, 2004 at 23:27:45
IP Address: 172.141.0.193
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for the Premier 14


The Premier 14 is recognized as a classic audiophile linestage. This was one of Conrad Johnson’s statement products in 1996, it pushed the envelope and redefined the potential of high-end pre-amplification. As such, this distinguished analog jewel has retained its value nearly a decade after its introduction.

Recent CJ products have built upon the success of the Premier 14, while taking the next step in statement product pre-amplification. The ART and its “trickle-down-technology” brethren, the Premier 16LS, the Premier 17LS, and Premier 18LS are classics in their own right.

The pre-amplification circuitry of the Premier 14 is a zero-feedback design based on a single-ended triode(6GK5) and triode cathode follower arrangement. The remote controlled switching and level (volume) controls are administered by microprocessor managed relays. The level control consists of resistor combinations that correspond to the specific level settings.
The use of switching relays was not considered cutting-edge in 1996, in fact I once owned the ScientificAudioElectronics P101 ( preamp) back in 1984 and it utilized relay switches. Conrad Johnson chose relays to interface with the remote, thus maintaining signal integrity while providing remote convenience. A very elegant solution and typical CJ mindset.

Yes, I am captivated by Conrad Johnson products. The components are skillfully engineered and soundly manufactured. I speak with some experience, having previously owned both the Premier 11 and MV55 amplifiers. Pride of ownership is rarely expressed in audiophile reviews, nonetheless it is one of the dynamic that drives the high-end business. After all, this hobby is one part art, one part technology, and several parts commerce.

The CJ sound is musical and accurate. (insert disclaimer here) I’m using solid-state amplification, the Classe CA101. My source is the Classe CDP10 and the loudspeakers are Epos M12. The interconnects and cables are sourced from solid-core shielded copper computer cable (circa 1981) . They are the most revealing wires that I’ve ever owned, everything else (IMO) sounds veiled by comparison.

The quality of music reproduction in my system depends on the source material. I listen to Sade, ColdPlay, Thelonious Monk, Neptunes, Nirvana, Jay-Z, Gregory Isaac’s, PinkFloyd, Kelis, DuranDuran, NickelBack, NoDoubt, Primus, Inxs, MintCondition, LimpBizkit, Marvin Gaye, Funkadelic etc. The attributes of all recordings are varied. If all goes well, the recording engineer captures a moment in time and preserves it.
The Premier14 will provide a dispassionate account of the recording, while imparting its own specific character or essence. Some might consider this a contradiction, I don’t. My favorite preamps are made by VTL, SonicFrontiers, RogueAudio, Ayre, Pass Labs . They all reproduce uniformly and competently, but each imparts a somewhat dissimilar suggestion of how reproduced music should sound.

I sincerely enjoy the Premier14, and enthusiastically recommend it for all who love music..


Product Weakness: Remote(plastic wand)
Product Strengths: Engineering and Construction


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Classe CA101
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Premier14
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Classe CDP10
Speakers: Epos M12
Cables/Interconnects: DIY
Music Used (Genre/Selections): all types
Room Size (LxWxH): x x x x x
Room Comments/Treatments: n/a
Time Period/Length of Audition: n/a
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): n/a
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): n/a




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Topic - REVIEW: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J) Premier 14 Preamplifier (Tube) - NeuGeo 23:27:45 06/29/04 ( 4)