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

From tubes to solid state.
joeinid
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 484
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:02 am
Contact:

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

Post by joeinid »

Tell me how you like these amps.

Image
jeffreybehr
Master Apprentice
Master Apprentice
Posts: 201
Joined: Mon Aug 06, 2012 1:10 pm
Location: Phoenix, Arizona USA

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

Post 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. :)
Last edited by jeffreybehr on Fri Sep 06, 2013 5:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Tin-eared audiofool, large-scale-Classical-music lover, and damned-amateur fotografer.
William Bruce Cameron: "...not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
joeinid
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 484
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:02 am
Contact:

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

Post 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.
Ray
Super Pro
Super Pro
Posts: 143
Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2012 7:49 pm

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

Post 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?
-------------------------------------------------
Magnepan 20.7
Conrad Johnson ART 300
Conrad Johnson GAT V2
Meitner MA 1 V2
Custom Server running MC 23
Dual Synology 1512+ 12 TB total storage
Ray
Super Pro
Super Pro
Posts: 143
Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2012 7:49 pm

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

Post 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.
-------------------------------------------------
Magnepan 20.7
Conrad Johnson ART 300
Conrad Johnson GAT V2
Meitner MA 1 V2
Custom Server running MC 23
Dual Synology 1512+ 12 TB total storage
joeinid
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 484
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:02 am
Contact:

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

Post 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 :)
User avatar
admin
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 4565
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 1:50 pm
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Contact:

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

Post 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!
-admin
Home Theater in Member Gallery
Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
joeinid
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 484
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:02 am
Contact:

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

Post by joeinid »

I love the look of Conrad Johnson gear. It doesn't hurt to have it sound great too.
joeinid
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 484
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:02 am
Contact:

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

Post 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,
User avatar
admin
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 4565
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 1:50 pm
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Contact:

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

Post 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!
-admin
Home Theater in Member Gallery
Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
joeinid
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 484
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:02 am
Contact:

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

Post 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!
joeinid
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 484
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:02 am
Contact:

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

Post 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
Ray
Super Pro
Super Pro
Posts: 143
Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2012 7:49 pm

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

Post 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.
-------------------------------------------------
Magnepan 20.7
Conrad Johnson ART 300
Conrad Johnson GAT V2
Meitner MA 1 V2
Custom Server running MC 23
Dual Synology 1512+ 12 TB total storage
joeinid
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 484
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:02 am
Contact:

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

Post 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.
User avatar
Joe Appierto
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 647
Joined: Fri Aug 24, 2012 5:04 pm
Location: NJ

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

Post 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.
Oppo BDP-105D and PSA DS DAC
C-J CA200
Polk T50
In-Akustik Exzellenz Cat 6, Kimber IC, Q-Audio SC, Blue Circle and Acrolink power cords; PSA Juice Bar and Duet PLC
joeinid
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 484
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:02 am
Contact:

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

Post by joeinid »

Thanks Joe.

I will post an update tomorrow night after everything is hooked up. I can't wait.
Ray
Super Pro
Super Pro
Posts: 143
Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2012 7:49 pm

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

Post 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
-------------------------------------------------
Magnepan 20.7
Conrad Johnson ART 300
Conrad Johnson GAT V2
Meitner MA 1 V2
Custom Server running MC 23
Dual Synology 1512+ 12 TB total storage
joeinid
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 484
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:02 am
Contact:

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

Post 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.
Ray
Super Pro
Super Pro
Posts: 143
Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2012 7:49 pm

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

Post 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!
-------------------------------------------------
Magnepan 20.7
Conrad Johnson ART 300
Conrad Johnson GAT V2
Meitner MA 1 V2
Custom Server running MC 23
Dual Synology 1512+ 12 TB total storage
joeinid
Pro Master
Pro Master
Posts: 484
Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 1:02 am
Contact:

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

Post by joeinid »

Thanks Ray,

Here are a few photos.

Wow!

They are amazing.
Attachments
IMG_1189 1.JPG
IMG_1189 1.JPG (186.97 KiB) Viewed 5066 times
IMG_1188.JPG
IMG_1188.JPG (167.5 KiB) Viewed 5066 times
IMG_1187.JPG
IMG_1187.JPG (200.26 KiB) Viewed 5066 times
Post Reply