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Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 3:39 pm
by joeinid
Tell me how you like these amps.

Image

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 5:19 pm
by jeffreybehr
...ahem...funny you should ask. When I start dreaming, again, of improving the sound quality of my system--which is already the overall-best-sounding music-reproduction system I've ever heard--I too think about the ART poweramps. Have you read Jonathan Valin's brief review in TAS?
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/article ... power-amp/
I've written TAS and asked if ever they published the review.

But then I awake from my dream and smile while I listen to my 'humble' c-j/McCormack '750s.

If ever any company can make poweramps that sound more transparent than those modified '750s and then with a tad of 'warmth' added, it would be c-j. We'll see what TAS says.

BTW, even tho I have available 650 Watts (into 8) to drive my Vandersteen 5As, I'm pretty sure 275 per side would be plenty for me. :)

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 5:30 pm
by joeinid
Thanks for the link Jeff. That's where I got the photo from in my first post. I miss my GAT preamp and am thinking about replacing it.

Do you know if Conrad Johnson would modify the DNA-750 with premium parts? I'd love to find out how the MF2550SE sound compares.

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 7:48 pm
by Ray
joeinid wrote:Thanks for the link Jeff. That's where I got the photo from in my first post. I miss my GAT preamp and am thinking about replacing it.

Do you know if Conrad Johnson would modify the DNA-750 with premium parts? I'd love to find out how the MF2550SE sound compares.
still miss the GAT huh Joe? :D :D :D
I wonder how a couple ART Monos would sound with my GAT driving the maggies?

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 7:54 pm
by Ray
even if I were to cough up the $30k plus for a pair of ARTs, ...replacing 16 each output tubes on a regular basis @ upwards of $100 each...would sure be an "ouch" Anyone know how long a set of KT120s last in an ART..? assuming of course the amp is used reasonably.

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 8:53 pm
by joeinid
Ray wrote:
joeinid wrote:Thanks for the link Jeff. That's where I got the photo from in my first post. I miss my GAT preamp and am thinking about replacing it.

Do you know if Conrad Johnson would modify the DNA-750 with premium parts? I'd love to find out how the MF2550SE sound compares.
still miss the GAT huh Joe? :D :D :D
I wonder how a couple ART Monos would sound with my GAT driving the maggies?
I do indeed but may fix that real soon. I can smell the burning KT120's now :)

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2013 8:32 am
by admin
Ray wrote:even if I were to cough up the $30k plus for a pair of ARTs, ...replacing 16 each output tubes on a regular basis @ upwards of $100 each...would sure be an "ouch" Anyone know how long a set of KT120s last in an ART..? assuming of course the amp is used reasonably.
If you can swing $30k for an amp, you probably can afford a few thousand in tubes every few years. Boy they are beautiful. I have never heard them play but from the specs they do seem impressive. When I look at the picture, it makes me want to go buy lottery tickets!

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2013 8:56 am
by joeinid
I love the look of Conrad Johnson gear. It doesn't hurt to have it sound great too.

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 10:12 am
by joeinid
Looks like this weekend I will pick up my GAT and ART monos. I am so excited. This will be my second GAT because I missed it soooo much,

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 10:42 am
by admin
joeinid wrote:Looks like this weekend I will pick up my GAT and ART monos. I am so excited. This will be my second GAT because I missed it soooo much,
Wow, I'm jealous! Would love to see some pictures if you have a chance. Let us know how the combination sounds!

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 11:55 am
by joeinid
admin wrote:
joeinid wrote:Looks like this weekend I will pick up my GAT and ART monos. I am so excited. This will be my second GAT because I missed it soooo much,
Wow, I'm jealous! Would love to see some pictures if you have a chance. Let us know how the combination sounds!
Will do. I hope to be up and running Sunday night. You have a great forum and I'm trying to get some discussion going. Thanks!

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 11:57 am
by joeinid
Ray wrote:
joeinid wrote:Thanks for the link Jeff. That's where I got the photo from in my first post. I miss my GAT preamp and am thinking about replacing it.

Do you know if Conrad Johnson would modify the DNA-750 with premium parts? I'd love to find out how the MF2550SE sound compares.
still miss the GAT huh Joe? :D :D :D
I wonder how a couple ART Monos would sound with my GAT driving the maggies?

C'mon Ray! Take the plunge with me. I know you want to .... :P

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 12:39 pm
by Ray
It's a forgone conclusion... :) Today, or more likely first thing next week I'll be in-the-queue.

This will be the first time in history I've owned a preamp and power amp(s) from the same manufacturer. go figure.

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 4:20 pm
by joeinid
Ray wrote:It's a forgone conclusion... :) Today, or more likely first thing next week I'll be in-the-queue.

This will be the first time in history I've owned a preamp and power amp(s) from the same manufacturer. go figure.
These will not just be any manufacturer, the synergy from the amazing Conrad Johnson pieces, the GAT and ART monos, will be outstanding. I will give you my feelings after all is hooked up and playing. I do have a loooooooooong break in ahead of me, but both amp/preamp will be on the clock together. I'm psyched.

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 6:40 am
by Joe Appierto
Color me green with envy. :)

Seriously, congratulations and lotsa luck with the GAT and the ART, Joe. I know you're going to love'em.

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 6:16 pm
by joeinid
Thanks Joe.

I will post an update tomorrow night after everything is hooked up. I can't wait.

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 9:57 pm
by Ray
joeinid wrote:Thanks Joe.

I will post an update tomorrow night after everything is hooked up. I can't wait.

Me neither! :o

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 11:13 pm
by joeinid
Ray wrote:
joeinid wrote:Thanks Joe.

I will post an update tomorrow night after everything is hooked up. I can't wait.

Me neither! :o

There's no way I'll be able to sleep tonight. :(

I feel like a little kid on Christmas eve.

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 6:37 am
by Ray
I saw a couple ARTs in person last weekend...not that looks are primary concern but a pair of 'em are very nice to look at.
'Safe travels today Joe!

Re: Any conrad-johnson ART Amplifier owners here? ...

Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:54 pm
by joeinid
Thanks Ray,

Here are a few photos.

Wow!

They are amazing.