Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J) Sonographe SA250 Amplifier (SS) by tweak48

Model:	Sonographe SA250
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1,200
Description:	Solid State amplifier, 120 wpc into 8 ohms
Manufacturer URL:	Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J)
Manufacturer URL:	Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J)

Review by tweak48 ( A ) on July 08, 2003 at 21:06:38
IP Address: 67.40.189.198

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for the Sonographe SA250

This is the reissue version, which was produced for Stereo Trading Outlet in suburban Philadelphia. Apparently there were enough chassis and faceplates left over from the original issue to do a limited production run. The unit comes with updated components including Noble resistors, CJ polystyrene capacitors, and Cardas output wiring. The design includes all discreet components, and uses 18 db of global negative feedback
I bought the amp unseen and unheard based on CJ reputation, the design description, the Stereophile review (class B rating), and reviews on Audio Review, the Asylum, and elsewhere. I purchased the unit to replace a Rogue 88 amplifier which was too big and ran too hot for the location, and which I could never get to sound right no matter how much tube rolling I did.
For $729 plus shipping, it has exceeded all my expectations. Build quality is very solid and presentation out of the box was excellent. I was an h/k, JBL, Tannoy and Ortofon rep 20 some years ago and cleanliness and quality of final assembly and packaging is something I still look for.
There are currently 25-50 hours on the unit. It produces a deep black background with tremendous dynamics. It images much better than the Rogue, and is right up there with my other amplifier, a VTL ST-85. It is very smooth, and consistent with the observations in the Stereophile review has a really laid back top end. So laid back that I had to move the mid and high trim on my JBL 4425â€™s up to 0 from the 2-3db down point to get the detail I was looking for. This could be a problem for folks with really laid-back speakers. Bass is extended and tight. Overall it is very musical, and I am convinced (mostly from the dogma I learned at h/k) that this to some degree is the result of the low level of negative feedback used in the design. I know itâ€™s become a clichÃ©, but lately Iâ€™ve had a hard time turning it off and going to bed.
Areas where the VTL (over twice the price) beats the SA-250 are in the liquidity of presentation, and in the graceful way the output degrades when pushed to clipping. The former is just the forte of a good tube design, and the latter really isnâ€™t an issue because with 120 watts, it really feels (and is) stronger than the 55 watt (8 ohm) VTL, so I never have to push it as hard.
You win a few and loose a few in hi-fi acquisitions over the years, and this was one of my better moves.

Product Weakness: Laid back top end. I prefer metal 5-way binding post nuts over plastic.
Product Strengths: It produces a deep black background with tremendous dynamics. Very musical and detailed. Great fit and finish.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Amplifier
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Research SP-5 (factory overhauled)
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Empire 598II w/Ortofon X5-MC - higher end h/k CDP - Citation 23 Tuner
Speakers:	JBL 4425 monitors (horns)
Cables/Interconnects:	top o' the line Rat Shack
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, Classic Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	13 x 18 x 8'
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks now
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Kimber 4PR
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Laid back top end. I prefer metal 5-way binding post nuts over plastic.
Product Strengths:	It produces a deep black background with tremendous dynamics. Very musical and detailed. Great fit and finish.