Contrast between Conrad Johnson and Cary

[pstrisik]

Greetings Cary fans!

I've got Conrad Johnson and the itch to see what might edge them out for my particular tastes. Anyone have experience with both CJ and Cary and can offer some observations of comparison in sound qualities?

I don't want to start any "which is better" talk; just differences please!

My CJ pieces are somewhere in the middle of their range and from 10-15 years ago: Premier 17LS pre (6922 based) and Premier 11A amp (75wpc - originally 6550's, now using KT120 output tubes).

Thanks.......

[Formerly YB-2]

Cannot answer your comparison question, but have been through several different McIntosh tube rigs over the years and find that the Cary SLI-80 Sig that am currently listening to seems to be more sensitive to tube rolling than was the McIntosh gear. Am especially a fan of the 6922 and 6SN7 used in the SLI-80.

Neglected to mention how pleased I am with the performance/sonics of the Cary. At least the equal of the separates from McIntosh (as always, the preamp is the weak point with them) and comparable to BAT.

[sanji]

They are both two great brands, arguably some of the best in the industry. I had a Prem 11A for nearly 10 years and replaced it with a Cary 805AE recently. I still have my Prem 16S2 pre paired with the 805's, it's an excellent match. The biggest difference between the 2 brands is Cary does a lot in terms of SET's where as CJ is push pull. If you're a tube purist like me I would definitely try the CJ pre Cary SET route. It's very musical, realistic & neutral.

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by sanji

They are both two great brands, arguably some of the best in the industry. I had a Prem 11A for nearly 10 years and replaced it with a Cary 805AE recently. I still have my Prem 16S2 pre paired with the 805's, it's an excellent match. The biggest difference between the 2 brands is Cary does a lot in terms of SET's where as CJ is push pull. If you're a tube purist like me I would definitely try the CJ pre Cary SET route. It's very musical, realistic & neutral.

Any observations on 11A vs 805AE? My particular concern is some hearing issues that make me upper mid/treble sensitive. I've come a long way towards easing that with CJ equipment, but still looking for more. So it's that delicate balance between smoothness/warmth without losing air and too much detail.

I have restored AR2ax speakers. I have no idea about their sensitivity and wonder if SET would be enough power for them. I suspect they are a bit power hungry as they are sealed (acoustic suspension), but I also have heard that older speakers don't need as much power on average since amps weren't all that powerful in the 60's and 70's.

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Cannot answer your comparison question, but have been through several different McIntosh tube rigs over the years and find that the Cary SLI-80 Sig that am currently listening to seems to be more sensitive to tube rolling than was the McIntosh gear. Am especially a fan of the 6922 and 6SN7 used in the SLI-80.

Neglected to mention how pleased I am with the performance/sonics of the Cary. At least the equal of the separates from McIntosh (as always, the preamp is the weak point with them) and comparable to BAT.

I've not had McIntosh at home, but from what I've heard in shops and comments on other forums, they would lack the warmth of CJ that I'm liking.

Did you mean that the preamp is the weakest point for Cary or McIntosh?

[Formerly YB-2]

Preamps are the weak link in a McIntosh chain in my opinion.

Vintage McIntosh tube amps are much warmer then the modern generation/models.

[pstrisik]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Preamps are the weak link in a McIntosh chain in my opinion.

Vintage McIntosh tube amps are much warmer then the modern generation/models.

That's consistent with my impression when I've had the chance to listen.

[CRJCapt]

I have an 11a which I love and is the best CJ I've heard. I just got a 300sei and WOW, it sure does sing. The 300 won't run my Apogees so it's not really fair but I understand the 300B cult thing now,