Conrad Johnson SC 26 pre amp a good buy?

[RemoWilliams]

I have the opportunity to purchase one of these locally with the remote - never have listened to any of their offerings but do know that they are well regarded.

Hopefully someone can give some insight, from what I have read so far this is still a good, if " entry level " pre amp.


I currently use a Sansui C 2101 as well as Mitsubishi DA - P30 and have a pair of Thiel CS 2.2 I will be using with a Harman Kardon Citation 16 that is currently being checked out to ensure it is up to spec.

Moderator edit: removed dollar value as all questions of value only allowed in the Dollars & Sense forum.

 

[2FarGone]

I don’t have experience with that particular preamp, but I do have experience with a Conrad Johnson ET3SE, admittedly a significantly more high-end preamp than the SC26. Still, a local deal on a remote control preamp made by CJ doesn’t seem like a huge risk. Sometimes you just have to take a chance, but in this case it doesn’t seem that you could get hurt too badly. If it’s local, will the seller allow you to audition it?

 

[RemoWilliams]

l will have to ask him, of course with different equipment etc. at least I would know it works.

 

[Tozco]

CJ has always been a small company and has a reputation of making equipment that sounds good.
I have their early tube preamp, the PV-2 and an early tube amp, the MV-45, actually it's a factory prototype. They are great sounding and I've kept them going for decades, because they are special. I would think hard before passing on anything Conrad Johnson.

 

[2FarGone]

CJ has always been a small company and has a reputation of making equipment that sounds good.
I have their early tube preamp, the PV-2 and an early tube amp, the MV-45, actually it's a factory prototype. They are great sounding and I've kept them going for decades, because they are special. I would think hard before passing on anything Conrad Johnson.

There were a couple of pretty favorable reviews on another audio website. It seems to be regarded as a credible entry into the high-end, so there’s a good chance it’s better than what the OP is currently using.There was originally a price posted that was removed by a mod. I saw it though, and at the price I saw I sure wouldn’t pass it up, even for a backup.

 

[hoodie]

I owned one for couple of years. It's fairly smooth sounding for a solid-state, typical CJ sound signature, and a bit better than "entry level". If it's in good condition and the remote is working, give it a try.

 

[RemoWilliams]

I decided to buy the SC 26, came with owner's manual and original shipping box. So far all functions are working including the remote. Will use it for a few days keeping it on using CDs, cassettes and streaming.


The seller also had the matching power amplifier ( SA 250 ) for not much more, had quite a few enquires and was initially reluctant to sell the pre amp but decided to let me have it. I have no doubt the amplifier will sell before long.

Took the cover off the HK Citation 16 in order to give it a good cleaning - one owner and untouched. The tech will be fabricating a board in order to mount 4 modern but smaller PS caps with point to point wiring - rated at 15,000 uf each as opposed to the original value of 10,000 uf. I would have preferred the original sized screw terminal caps but an audio grade equivalent would have been getting close to what I paid for the amplifier. I saved quite a lot going to the smaller versions - is this a somewhat common modification? There are apparently few options available as the screw terminal caps are not being used anymore. A common replacement are the Chem Con but not really high quality so the tech advised going with I believe the Nichicon Fine Gold. Purists might not think it should be done I imagine and the large cans look impressive but once in the rack with the cover on i am much more interested in simply listening to the music!

All of the output transistors will be demounted and checked, resistors etc. - he has done a few other Citation 16 so knows them quite well

 

[MaxP]

I love Conrad Johnson gear! They compete at the highest levels. I have a hybrid amp of theirs and it’s amazing! I highly recommend the brand.