While this is a current impression (October 2015) of a vintage pre-amplifier, the Conrad-Johnson PV9a, it is an observation of what can be achieved by upgrading this venerable product. It is by chance that I came upon it after a member of our audio...

I've had this baby for over ten years now. I have listened to various Audio Research preamps and to several high end solid state preamps as well.

My piece is the PV9-A, which uses 6FQ7 tubes instead of the 5965 in it's previous incarnation. Having owned quite a few of CJ's preamps, this one is my favorite! Coming along on the heels of the Premier 3, the PV9-A retailed for about $2995.00, rather...

I didn't realise what I was missing until I bought this preamp. In a word- delicious!