Conrad-Johnson Premier 350 discussion

[Vhiner]

Originally Posted by TigerFoo

Thanks vhiner. Is it venom HC? I just saw a used one with good price.

I use an Alpha HC, but the Venom HC is an incredible buy. What's your budget for this?

[TigerFoo]

Budget $400 for the PC. I am using the stock PC for the time being, not bad! and with gotham IC. The venom HC is gone.
First impression, much more musical and smooth sound than my previous amp plinius SA-103, and with the same effortless power. Very happy with that.

[Vhiner]

Originally Posted by TigerFoo

Budget $400 for the PC. I am using the stock PC for the time being, not bad! and with gotham IC. The venom HC is gone. First impression, much more musical and smooth sound than my previous amp plinius SA-103, and with the same effortless power. Very happy with that.

In that case, I would opt for a bigger gauge than the Venom HC. A used Alpha HC would probably run around $800 or so. A used Python or Black Mamba CX would probably be the best options for your price range. Bear in mind that your mileage may vary. My opinion is merely based upon what I have heard in my room, in my system.

[TigerFoo]

No worry! Well aware that gears are system dependent. I am going to try jps as well.
Anyone know the gain of 350sa?

[Masterlu]

TigerFoo... Welcome to AA!

[Coppy]

Hey T-Foo,

Check c-j's site and see if you can download an instruction manual for the 350. That will have the gain. If not, give them a call, I'm sure they will send you one. You also need to know if the amp inverts the signal.

Enjoy...

[TigerFoo]

Thanks Masterlu and Coppy! Great forum for this understated gem. I posted my question on my local forum for a week, without single response.
BTW, I know 350sa is phase inverting. Cant find the gain in the manual. Will email CJ.

[Coppy]

Okay T-Foo,

I just pulled my P350 manual and it says nothing about gain. In addition, it says it is phase inverting in one place and non-inverting in another. Go figure.

Just got off the phone with c-j's top tech guy and he tells me the gain is 24-26 DB and the amp IS phase inverting. You should still get the manual as it has some good info on fuses, etc. He also reminded me again about not making connections to the amplifier with it powered up, or even recently shut down. If you short the speaker connections with the power on, that puppy will blow, so be careful and let the caps drain awhile after shutdown.

Good luck and enjoy.

Bob

[Vhiner]

TigerFoo,

I want to echo Coppy's warning about NO quick swapping of wire when using the 350SA. Unplug the amp and let it drain for at least 15 minutes before disconnecting and reconnecting wire.

This leads me to one other caution. If you are going to audition a variety of high end power cords, avoid rapid comparisons. Live with each cord for a good week before changing the set up. The very best power cords sound different after being twisted and jostled or after being cold for a length of time. Rapid a/b tests of power cords are a fool's errand, IMHO. Patience will pay off because it will enable you to select the cord that best suits your ears. If after a few weeks, the choice is unclear, I would go with the least expensive cord. Hope this helps and I apologize if you already know this; not everyone does.

[TigerFoo]

Thanks Bob and Vhiner! Advice well taken.
Gain of 24-26 db is not high at all, as I heard before that 350sa is high gain and should be cautious to match preamp. My previous amp plinius sa-103, of 38db gain, is a real pain in finding matching gear.