Conrad-Johnson Premier 350 discussion

[joeinid]

How about an Xs series ala Pass version of the 350.

[Puma Cat]

Yeah, something along those lines.

I've always wondered what a Pass amp would sound like in my system, since he is famous for very musical, very tube-like SS amps.

Got 220 hours on the Premier 350 now...Darrin said that when his got to 500 hours, it just completey opened up. Only about 300 hours to go.

[joeinid]

I just had a bit of a revelation just now. I am preamp-less as of Monday and need to play some tunes. I hooked my dac2x straight to my Steve McCormack flex-connect with 4:1 reduction and which I think also lowers the impedance for a better match. I am using my sonos as the source for my dac because I can control the volume with it. The amp is the 350 and holy cow, it sounds great. I've always like a preamp in the system but this sounds really nice. That 350 has balls and depth.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by joeinid

I just had a bit of a revelation just now. I am preamp-less as of Monday and need to play some tunes. I hooked my dac2x straight to my Steve McCormack flex-connect with 4:1 reduction and which I think also lowers the impedance for a better match. I am using my sonos as the source for my dac because I can control the volume with it. The amp is the 350 and holy cow, it sounds great. I've always like a preamp in the system but this sounds really nice. That 350 has balls and depth.

Interesting. Who needs a preamp?

I think a lot of this is the DAC2X....you've now got a source up to par with the rest of your components.

I just powered up the CT-5 and Pr350 with the Shunyata Black Mamba CX and HC CXs power cords, respectively; and oh BTW, the CT-5 is now getting power from the Hydra 8, and man, it sounds GREAT. The lower noise floor and improved clarity and musicality these bring over the just using a Venom3 and a DB Platinum is readily apparent.

[joeinid]

It's amazing how at this level everything matters, kind of scary too. Remember the days you'd POP a mix tape in the boombox, kick back with a beer and think, man this is great.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by joeinid

It's amazing how at this level everything matters, kind of scary too. Remember the days you'd POP a mix tape in the boombox, kick back with a beer and think, man this is great.

I never thought that, but I know what you mean.

I got into high end just out of college so I started out with a pretty good system for the time; i just got completely out of it for 20 years when riding sportbikes happened....

[Puma Cat]

So, Joe, you find the Interocitor to be pretty transparent....

[turntable]

Originally Posted by joeinid

It's amazing how at this level everything matters, kind of scary too. Remember the days you'd POP a mix tape in the boombox, kick back with a beer and think, man this is great.

I still think that a good boombox let's you forget about the HiFi and enjoy the beer and music. Just can't live with it long term.

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

So, Joe, you find the Interocitor to be pretty transparent....

For the most part I really think it is. I'm playing some songs now and swear I hear things I haven't heard before and the sound stage seems as wide, high and deep. The great thing I really like is this model knocks down the gain on my 350. Otherwise I don't think I would be as happy with it (the Pr. 350)

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by joeinid

For the most part I really think it is. I'm playing some songs now and swear I hear things I haven't heard before and the sound stage seems as wide, high and deep. The great thing I really like is this model knocks down the gain on my 350. Otherwise I don't think I would be as happy with it (the Pr. 350)

Your TADs must be more efficient than my Dyns...