Sonographes on the way

[jimtranr]

When my bedroom-system Rotel RB 970BX unexpectedly blew its left channel a couple of days ago, I decided to replace it rather than have it repaired. I started looking for a decent but inexpensive power amp and happened on an eBay auction bundling a C-J Sonographe SC25 preamp and SA250 amp. While I didn't absolutely need a preamp right away (though I"ll shortly be outfitting my wife's home office system), the 250 looked too good to pass up if I could get it at the right price. So I bid at the last minute. Long story short: The pair should arrive next week.

I've read that the 250 has a laid-back top end, but otherwise should be a good match for the Paradigm stand-mount SE-1's it will be driving. I'm looking forward to finding out.

[jdandy]

Jim.......I would expect the C-J gear to be a nice step up from Rotel. Looking forward to you impressions.

[jimtranr]

Yeah, Dan, I expect it will be a step up, too. I'll post my impressions after I've given the new arrivals a good listen.

[Puma Cat]

Please do, my guess is you'll be very pleased!

[Rafale]

let me know please about Sonographe
are they real CJ or McCormack ?
thanks
Philippe

[jimtranr]

Originally Posted by Rafale

let me know please about Sonographe
are they real CJ or McCormack ?

Philippe, they were introduced as "entry-level" products by Conrad-Johnson and included at least one turntable model well as preamps and amps. Save for a historical note, there's no mention of them on the current C-J Web page. The electronics were all solid state, and I understand that for a time the Sonographe SA250 was rated "Class B" by Stereophile.

If you look carefully at the photo below you'll note the "by conrad-johnson" notation on the lower right portion of the faceplates.

[Rafale]

Originally Posted by jimtranr

Philippe, they were introduced as "entry-level" products by Conrad-Johnson and included at least one turntable model well as preamps and amps. Save for a historical note, there's no mention of them on the current C-J Web page. The electronics were all solid state, and I understand that for a time the Sonographe SA250 was rated "Class B" by Stereophile.

If you look carefully at the photo below you'll note the "by conrad-johnson" notation on the lower right portion of the faceplates.

Thanks Jim copy that
The cj DNA is obvious the pre looks like the PV10, same faceplate and knobs

[JohnK]

c-j also had the "motif" brand for solid-state components, in the mid 80's, I believe.

[jimtranr]

Originally Posted by JohnK

c-j also had the "motif" brand for solid-state components, in the mid 80's, I believe.

Yeah, John, that was their first marketed foray into solid state, a projected high-end offering that disappeared around 1991 after about a six-year run.

[Puma Cat]

My guess is Sonographe disappeared right around the time C-J acquired McCormack; no need for two solid-state product lines.

Jim, let us know what you think when you get your Sonographes. My guess is that you wil be very pleased; the SS stuff C-J did was also very, very good.