I couldn't resist!! - I bought the Conrad Johson LV14L preamp

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pearsall001

Full Audioholic
Well I did it. The CJ unit has found a new home. The deal from my dealer was just too good to pass up. It really wasn't that hard of a decision, especially since having the pre on demo loan for nearly a week. I was simply floored by how musical this piece is. Everything just took on a whole new dimension musically. I know I will be satisfied for quite some time now. My next move will be a CD player or maybe a DAC. What do you guys suggest? Budget around $1200. Thanks
 
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cornelius

Full Audioholic
That is very cool - nice score. I've been toying with the idea of VanAlstine gear, sounds like you have a fine set-up.
 
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pearsall001

Full Audioholic
cornelius, don't even hesitate about purchasing VanAlstine gear. It is absolutely top notch in performance. His prices are down to earth, he makes each piece as it is ordered, my OmegaStar 440EX ss amp (220x2) took 7 weeks. It was definetely worth the wait. I was also eyeing his preamp, it was between his & the CJ PV14L. The swaying factor for me to buy the CJ was that I got such a fantastic show demo deal & also the luscious sound it has. Otherwise Franks pre would be in the house right next to his amp. Oh & buy the way Frank is not bashfull at all, he said his piece sounds better than the CJ. I guess we'll never know!!!
 
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cornelius

Full Audioholic
I like the idea of going with an pre/amp company that is under the radar and surpases all of the chi-chi gear out there.

I didn't realize the wait for his gear was that long (made to order)! My Ohm speakers took that long (heavy back orders), and was more than worth the wait. Both designers strike me as guys quietly making great products, both of them hold patents and have stayed in this business for a long time.

Does the amplifier run cool? I'm redesigning my set up and might be tucking away the gear in a vented cabinet. I might try the new pre also.
 
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pearsall001

Full Audioholic
Normally Frank doesn't take that long to build your gear. He was out quite some time w/ a hip operation & production slowed down a little. If I ordered the preamp the build time was only 3 weeks. As I stated in my other posts I got such a great deal on the CJ piece, I just couldn't pass it up. Other than that I would have ordered Frank's preamp. The OmegaStar 440EX amp does run quite cool although my equipment rack is not totally enclosed . Give Frank a call at AVAHIFI.COM & he'll be more than glad to answer all your questions. His stuff is fantastic. From what I've read the OHM Walsh speakers they are incredible also. Which model did you get, I've been on their site & his stuff looks very interesting.
 
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cornelius

Full Audioholic
I'm curious to see what the preamp lineup will be. I like the look of the new ones, but I was hoping they'd cover the same price points as the older ones.

Right now I have a pair of Ohm MicroWalsh Talls. There's a great review on them at 6moons.com - the reviewer really tells it like it is. There's also a good review on upgrading one of Ohm's older models on that site too. Like AVA, Ohm honors upgrades to their customers, when available. Also, like AVA, the Ohms aren't exactly lookers, but they outperform ANYTHING (this includes monitors) in their price class. Since owning Ohms, it's very hard for me to go back to regular dynamic design speakers (without looking at ones that cost A LOT more...).

I think the AVA amps will probably mate well with Ohms, I'm thinking of giving it a try. For me, it's a little tough, because I'm running a 100W McIntosh integrated, so I really need to hear an improvement to warrant spending more dough. The Mac is a great sounding amp, I just want some more power, remote and of course better sound.
 
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pearsall001

Full Audioholic
I'm sure the Mac piece is very good, how it would fare against a AVA amp is a good question. There's only one way to find out, order the OmegaStar 440EX (220x2) or the FetValve amp (250x2). Frank gives you a 30 day window for a return policy if they don't perform as you would like. Personally I know you won't be sending it back. I think his returns are extremely rare, & just try to find a used piece for sale, almost impossible. They are really that good that nobody ever seems to get rid of them. The only real test is to have one of his amps in your system where you can really put it to the test. Reading reviews is one thing, but having the piece in your possesion for a real personal review is the only way to go. Give it a shot!!! Isn't this what this hobby is all about? Have fun & keep me posted.
Phil
 
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cornelius

Full Audioholic
Phil - I think I'll give Frank a buzz. That's what I did with the Ohms, I just called the man who makes them, and he sent me in the right direction!

Enjoy your rig, see ya over at audiocircle...
Neil
 
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pearsall001

Full Audioholic
Neil, glad to hear it. Frank will definetely steer you in the right direction. He actually talked me out of his more expensive FetValve amp & recommended his OmegaStar 440EX for my system. To me that said alot about his integrety, he wants to do right by you & not just make a sale. And man oh man was he ever right, that amp deliveres big time. And now paired w/ the CJ tube preamp I am one happy listener to say the least. Where in particular do you hang out & audiocircle & do you use the same handle?
Phil
 
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cornelius

Full Audioholic
Phil, I hang with the same handle at the two-channel section and now, the AVA thread. I haven't posted anything there in a while. Since I'm new to the AVA thread, I was going back to some older posts and noticed Frank's comments about surround vs. two channel. I'm going to revive that one, because I really agree with his opinion, and it's an interesting topic.
 
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pearsall001

Full Audioholic
Neil, I agree to disagree. I think both HT & 2 channel can co-exist quite well. For Dolby digital sound nothing beats the sub firing, the rears adding the effects that the director intended. Don't forget the center is arguably the most important for dialog. Trying to get all this performance from just the front mains falls way short in my opinion. For 2 channel listening the CJ goes into action & performs it's magic. For movie's I switch it into theater bypass & get the whole effect of digital movie sound. Both formats have distinct purposes. I'm not even crazy about SACD or DVD audio. I just like my music thru my mains. For me movies need everything firing for the full enjoyment.
 
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cornelius

Full Audioholic
We're actually on the same page, I've heard some amazing surround systems in mastering/mixing studios, so I know it has its place and can sound right. I just think it's good to be able to run before you walk, so most surround systems I here forego quantity for quallity. Luckily for me, the Ohms don't require a center channel, otherwise I'd get a 3 channel AVA amp.

It sounds to me like you have a nice balance of music and movie listening. My view is, for the same money that most people spend on HT, I'd rather have a great sounding 2 channel system, than a mediocre multi-channel one.

I also agree about multi-channel music. I've heard some super high-end systems at audio shows, and it never sounded natural to me.
 
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pearsall001

Full Audioholic
I did try a pair of the OHM micro walsh some time back for my surround speakers. I have Polk LSiFX for surrounds & wanted to see how the walsh's compared. They were an excellent sounding speaker as are the Polk's. They were identical in price & they both performed beautifully. I would have had to sell the Polk's to keep the walsh's, I just really didn't want the hassle. I was seriously thinking about the 200 or 300 Mk-2's as my mains but at the time my budget wouldn't allow it. According to the web site the bass in so good you really don't need a center. Do your tall's satisfy you bass wise without needing a center? Did you ever consider the larger walsh's? One of Frank's amps will power your tall's beautifully.
 
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cornelius

Full Audioholic
Hey Phil - in my room I really don't need a sub or center for the Micros. They get into the upper 30Hz range, and the mid-range is so spot on, I really don't miss the rest of the bottom octave.

Ohm does make a center version of the Tall with the tweeter facing more forward. I've heard that it makes a better center channel than the center channel that they make for their sub/sat system. I dig the front to back depth of the Ohms, especially with dialogue - really gives you sense of where the actors are, spacially.

Now that we're talking about all of this HT, I guess an Ohm Walsh HT system would be pretty nice. My main thing with speakers in general, is that I feel most of the time they're firing right at you, which really doesn't feel like a musical experience to me. Center channels and surrounds only add to this effect, so I find most HT pretty fatiquing. But like I mentioned before, I've heard some good ones (sounds like you have a nice set-up) and it can be a serious charge!

The larger Ohms don't need a sub from what I understand. Walsh series speakers are known for their bass performance, and even my little Micros fill the room nicely. Ohms really energize the room with sound, so I don't even miss the sub (although with all of this talk, maybe I'll grab the sub from the bedroom system and give it a try!).

My room is borderline size between the MicroTall and the 100s. I figured with the return policy that I'd start small and exhange if needed. When I find myself in a larger room, I'd like to try a larger model. In the meantime, I'd like to try an AVA amp with what I have. I also have a feeling that Frank's gear will synergize nicely.
 
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pearsall001

Full Audioholic
Neil, I think you're right, one of Frank's amps would match up well with your micros. I can see myself down the road picking up his 3 channel amp. If it's anything like his OmegaStar 440EX it's gonna be a killer. Sounds like you pretty much know what direction you're headed with your system. Keep me posted on any further news.
Phil
 
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