General Asylum: REVIEW: Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J) Premier 12 Amplifier (Tube) by Brian Cheney

Model:	Premier 12
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$7900pr
Description:	140W tube monoblocks
Manufacturer URL:	Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J)
Manufacturer URL:	Conrad-Johnson (CJ,C-J)

Review by Brian Cheney ( M ) on February 10, 2002 at 15:00:46
IP Address: 205.188.195.190

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for the Premier 12

By now most audiophiles are familiar with the virtues of tube electronics. When dealing with power amps there is another factor to consider: reliability. Many a tube power amp spends a lot of time in transit to and from service, or being retubed as the outputs age, become gassy or otherwise fail. For this reason you want a reliable, established manufacturer who will stand behind his product and respond quickly to customer concerns. Historically one company has stood head and shoulders above the rest in customer service: Conrad-Johnson.
So I'm pleased to report on their latest large tube amp, the Premier 12, 140 W monoblocks based on 4 6550's per side (all nomenclatures have been removed, so can't say much about provenance). The most unusual feature on this amp: no electrolytic capacitors, anywhere, including the power supply. All caps are polypropylene which means some really big ones taking upa lot of PCB real estate. Accordingly each P12 monoblock is as large as the average stereo tube amp.
I wonder whether it is this design choice which is the determining factor in the sound quality I hear from the Premier 12's, because they sound supremely natural, clean, and grain-free. I can sit fascinated by their sound for hours, wondering at its sheer beauty and musicality. Digital is a pleasant experience through these amps, analog even more so. Detail is staggering. For example, the 60 players in the Walter/CSO Beethoven Pastorale (1958) are clearly audible each as individuals, as well as blended faultlessly into ensemble. I can't remember experiencing this revelatory quality before in critical listening these past 25 years with any other amp.
Trebles and mids are exemplary, but first octave bass tails away below 30Hz and lacks the slam and extension of the best solid state. Still I couldn't decide if I prefered the CJ's full range or biamped with a SS bass amp in the circuit. I leave it to you to experiment on your own.
Maybe you don't want to deal with the complexities and inconvenience of audio life with tube power amps. The sonic rewards are palpable and worth the effort, IMHO. If you think $8 large is too much for an audio amp, look at the laughably overpriced competition. Congrats to Bill and Lew for a great job. I originally obtained the amps for the CES, but now plan to keep them. The joy of listening to them is too compelling.
Big B

Product Weakness: ultra low bass absent
Product Strengths: supreme sound quality, high output power

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	CJ
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Jadis JPL
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	KrellMD10/ART DIO (modded)
Speakers:	VMPS RM 40
Cables/Interconnects:	Analysis Plus silver oval
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	all types
Room Size (LxWxH):	31 x 14 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	full LEDE
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS audio 300, Bybee
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	ultra low bass absent
Product Strengths:	supreme sound quality, high output power