Few preamps these days are burdened by analog disc inputs, and in consequence should logically be either cheaper or better, or both. While in general this is true, some losses in signal quality are inevitable when using a preamp. These losses result from the necessary cable runs, the plugs and sockets, the input selector, the volume…
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On the test bench, the Conrad-Johnson CAV50 delivered a just-to-spec 53Wpc into 8 ohms (17.2dBW) for 1% distortion, midband. Loaded down to 4 ohms, it measured 78Wpc (15.9dBW) single-channel, showing a respectable load tolerance for a tube amplifier. The output rating fell 1dB with both channels driven (eg, to 16dBW, 40Wpc, at 1kHz). At low frequencies (20Hz) the amplifier clipped at 36W (15.6dBW) (which isn't bad), and raised 65W at this frequency into 4 ohms (15.1dBW). At the other end of the audio band, the amp delivered a true 56Wpc at 20kHz into 4 ohms at 1%…
Sometimes Sam isn't always first. Martin Colloms beat me to the punch with a full-scale review of the Conrad-Johnson CAV50 integrated in the August issue (Vol.21 No.8).
The C-J makes a fascinating contrast with the Bryston B-60—one of the finest tubed integrated amplifiers vs one of the best solid-state.
Look at the sizes. While the Bryston is just 2½" high, the C-J is 7" high. You can't slide it into a tight space the way you can the Bryston—you need to give it good ventilation, on a table top or the top…
Description: Integrated amplifier with passive input stage and tube output circuitry. Tube complement: 4x EL34 (output), 2x 6SN7 (driver), 2x 12AX7Q (phase splitter) and 1x 12AU7 (preamp output). Rated output power: 45W into 8 ohms (16.5dBW), 30Hz-15kHz, 1% THD (pentode/ultralinear); 22Wpc into 8 ohms (13.4dBW), 1.5% THD (triode). Input impedance: 50k ohms. Sensitivity: 500mV for full power. Measured output impedance: 0.4 ohms.
Weight: 40 lbs.
Serial number of unit reviewed: Not noted.
Price: 2495. Approximate number of dealers: 85.
Manufacturer:…
Sometimes, however, magic happens. As when fellow reviewer Kal…
Antal Dorati's recording of Stravinsky's The Firebird (LP, Mercury Living Presence/Classic SR 90226) revealed most of…
Description: Two-way, reflex-loaded, stand-mounted loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" soft-dome tweeter, 5" plastic-cone woofer. Crossover frequency: 1.8kHz. Frequency response: 74Hz-20kHz, ±3dB, -6dB at 58Hz. Nominal impedance: 8 ohms. Sensitivity: 85dB/2.83V/m.
Dimensions: 11" H by 6" W by 10.5" D. Weight: 14 lbs.
Finish: Real-wood veneer.
Serial number of units reviewed: 344011L & R.
Price: $999/pair; matching stands cost $299/pair. Approximate number of dealers: 30.
Manufacturer: Audes LLC, Pae 3a, 41533 Johvi, Estonia. Tel: (372) 33-94651. Fax…
Analog sources: VPI TNT IV turntable, Immedia RPM tonearm, Koetsu Urushi cartridge; Rega Planar 3 turntable, Syrinx PU-3 tonearm, Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood, Aurum Beta S cartridges.
Digital sources: California Audio Labs Icon Mk.II Power Boss, Creek CD53 Mk.II CD players; Pioneer DV-333 DVD player.
Preamplification: Vendetta Research SCP-2D phono stage, Audio Valve Eklipse line stage.
Power amplifier: Audio Research VT100 Mk.II.
Integrated amplifier: Creek 5350SE.
Loudspeakers: NHT SB-3; Alón by Acarian Systems Li'l Rascal Mk.II, Petite.
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As is to be expected for a speaker this small, the Audes Bravo's sensitivity was on the low side, at an estimated 83dB(B)/2.83V/m. It will therefore need a lot of amplifier watts to play loud, except that it will then start to run up against its small woofer's dynamic-range limitations. However, its impedance plot (fig.1) revealed it to be a fairly easy load for an amplifier to drive, with an impedance magnitude that remains above 6 ohms for almost all the audioband. Although the electrical phase angle does reach 45 degrees on a couple of occasions, this is…