Conrad-Johnson PFR Preamplifiers
Conrad-Johnson PFR Preamplifiers
USER REVIEWS
[Feb 22, 2023]
ampva301
Strength:
This device, while being almost 20 years old, is still compatible with freshly introduced class A, class AB, and digital equipment. This device can breathe the same air as these modern amplifiers due to its broad frequency range. | who is the best drywall company Weakness:
Just the Volume adjustment is required, as very low levels are not identical on both channels. Despite this, it is a fine gadget. Purchased: New
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[Feb 06, 2023]
powerless277
Strength:
Whereas the Cambridge Audio sounded good and had great sound, it did not do anything that impressed me more than my older Pioneer Elite receiver. With the Rega on the other hand, it is a much more accurate reproduction of all music, I can hear clarity, detail, imaging, and accuracy that is head and shoulders above the Cambridge Audio. air filter replacements Weakness:
None . . Purchased: New
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[Dec 08, 2020]
easystep
Strength:
This unit although 20 plus years old still has the ability to play in tandem with newly released class A, AB, and digital equipment. The wide bandwidth of this unit allows it to breathe the same air as updated amplifiers. Weakness:
The only problem I could noticeably detect was the gain in the newer versions of the class D amp was was higher, which caused a grainy effect when adjusting the volume, other than that there are no weaknesses. I am having a hard time parting with this unit. Price Paid: 450
Purchased: Used
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[Dec 04, 2020]
easystep
Strength:
This unit although 20 plus years old still has the ability to play in tandem with newly released class A, AB, and digital equipment. The wide bandwidth of this unit allows it to breathe the same are as these updated amplifiers. Weakness:
The only problem I could noticeably detect was the gain in the newer versions of the class D amp was the gain was higher, which caused a grainy effect when adjusting the volume, other than that there are no weaknesses. I am having a hard time parting with this unit. Price Paid: 450
Purchased: Used
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[Dec 04, 2020]
easystep
Strength:
This unit although 20 plus years old still has the ability to play in tandem with newly released class A, AB, and digital equipment. The wide bandwidth of this unit allows it to breathe the same are as these updated amplifiers. Weakness:
The only problem I could noticeably detect was the gain in the newer versions of the class D amp was the gain was higher, which caused a grainy effect when adjusting the volume, other than that there are no weaknesses. I am having a hard time parting with this unit. Price Paid: 450
Purchased: Used
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[Dec 17, 2007]
R390LM
AudioPhile
Strength:
Clean, clear, and natural sound
Weakness:
Volume adjustment as very low levels is not equal on both channels. Simply a phenomenol preamp. I was using the CAV-50 for some time
Similar Products Used: C-J CAV-50
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[Aug 11, 2002]
Phil
AudioPhile
Strength:
Clean detailed sound without making you want to clench your teeth.
Weakness:
Nothing significant This is a phenomenal preamp. I have had it only a oouple of days, but I'm blown away and can't unplug it long enough to A/B it against some other gear I have. I bought it based on the recommendations here and the Stereophile Class A rating and I'm not disappointed. If anything I'm far more impressed than I expected to be. As others have pointed out, this is solid state and the sound is clean and clear and comes shining on through. If you have a bright sounding system this may not be your ticket, but if you are looking for clean unadulterated sound, this is it. It is a bit forward sounding, but as others have said it still manages to be pleasant and non fatiging. A couple days of break in have also opened things up a bit. On well recroded music (Cowboy Junkies for instance) I am hearing nuances in the music that I'd never heard before. The remote is cheap looking, but it is full function and works fine. The volume control is sensitive and doesn't allow for fine graduations, but I don't find it a problem. All in all a wonderful product with the CJ build quality and that gorgeous champagne finish. Associated Equipment Bel Canto Evo 200.2 Proac 1.5's Sony 333ES SACD Changer Kimber Silver Streak IC's Kimber PR Speaker cable Chang power conditioner Similar Products Used: Audio Research, Threshold, Superphon |
[Aug 31, 2000]
hi-end guru
Audiophile
CJ is known for open, dynamic, sweet, revealing sound:- you will hear what you put into it. Instruments are before you, in space, in three dimensions, with people playing them - the combination of speed, dynamics, and transparency help one hear how the musicians are playing their instruments in a way that is almost impossible to describe. For example, on violin, there is a violin, a bow, and the energy that the musician applies to the instrument is perfectly communicated. The PFR transmits the emotional connection between musician and the music. There is nothing forgiving in this preamp - a very high-resolution tool. Bass is tight and well-defined, there is no "bloom" and no "warming" -- which can be mistaken for a lack of bass energy. A pre-amp for those in pursuit of the music. |
[Mar 18, 2000]
Steve Lane
Audiophile
Strength:
Truth in tonal balances does the midrange very right. Allow me to hear subtle nuances that were clouded over by my audible Illusions modulus 3. And the remote ia handy also. This is the one pre to own at this price point.
Weakness:
No phono section available as a built in option. And vague description of just what the epl 1 and epl 2 inputs are for. This peramp brought out the truth in the music and gave it life that it never had before. It keeps me involved with the music and not with the equiptment. The lower level information is not missing as it is with so much of todays so called reference pre amps. From the bow drawing across the violin strings to the snap of a snare drum(the opening of Stevie Ray Vaughns Couldn't stand the weather). And the deepest of bass(organ notes from pomp and pipes) this pre amp does it all effortlessly. I find no weaknesses in its performance in any way. When not fed any signal it is dead quiet. It allows you to hear just what the engineer wanted you to hear. It adds nothing and as far as I can tell it subtracts nothing. Just allowing me to enjoy the music and after all isn't that the main Idea. This pre amp is well suited to all kinds of music and I have found no problems using it for anything in my collection. From rock, to Jazz to new age to classical , Blues, Folk, Soundtracks, Funk it handles them all, And gives up all the musical details with out being bright or reticient. Similar Products Used: Audible Illusions modulus 3 |
[Jan 04, 2000]
glenn
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
effortlessness, harmonic rightness
Weakness:
none I don't own this honey because I can't afford it, but I did listen to it for two days and I never heard any preamp like it before or since (this was 4 years ago). From the moment the music started, everything in my head and body said "this is right"!!! In all my years of audio (since 1980), only a handfull of products touch you in such a way....the roger's 3/5a, naim 250 and this beauty....anyone wanna sell me theirs? Similar Products Used: audio research LS-3, Krell |