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  1. #1
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    NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier



    Conrad-Johnson is pleased to announce the availability of the new conrad-johnson CA150 control amplifier – a power amplifier with level control and source selectors. A control amplifier is identical in function to an integrated amplifier, but without the additional distortions that would be inherent in a superfluous line-stage. Like an integrated amplifier, a control amplifier also eliminates the colorations of preamplifier to amplifier interconnect cables. The CA150 combines the circuitry of our popular MF2275 power amplifier with source selector circuits and a Burr-Brown precision level control.
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  2. #2
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    MF2275 135 Watts per channel from 20 Hz to 20 KHz at no more than 1.0% THD or IMD, both channels driven into 8 ohms
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  3. #3
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    The new CA-200!!
    CD

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  4. #4
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by CDLehner View Post
    The new CA-200!!
    Exactly my thought
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  5. #5
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    The CA200 was / is one of my all time favs....V interesting.
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  6. #6
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by jaxwired View Post
    The CA200 was / is one of my all time favs....V interesting.
    I never should have sold mine. It really was wonderful.
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  7. #7
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    I think I would still take a CA-200...over this newer piece
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  8. #8

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    " but without the additional distortions that would be inherent in a superfluous line-stage. Like an integrated amplifier, a control amplifier also eliminates the colorations of preamplifier to amplifier interconnect cables"

    That don't bother no one here? I agree with it anyway.
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  9. #9
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by Tomelex View Post
    " but without the additional distortions that would be inherent in a superfluous line-stage. Like an integrated amplifier, a control amplifier also eliminates the colorations of preamplifier to amplifier interconnect cables"

    That don't bother no one here? I agree with it anyway.
    Tomelex.......The ol' sales pitch. Our amps are "straight wire with gain". Yeah, ok! .
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  10. #10

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    The idea of a control amplifier makes sense nowadays in any case. With outboard phono amps, and dacs, or even tape decks, it makes sense if you can have your source(s) close enough to the control amplifier.
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  11. #11

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Inside

    Attached Images Attached Images

  12. #12

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    What's the difference between an integrated amplifier and a control amplifier?

  13. #13
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by nfnc View Post
    What's the difference between an integrated amplifier and a control amplifier?
    Marketing.
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  14. #14
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by nfnc View Post
    What's the difference between an integrated amplifier and a control amplifier?
    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Marketing.
    Mike's joke aside, lol; the idea is supposed to be...no added gain, between source and power.
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  15. #15

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    They are functionally the same, afaik? ASR Emitter also markets their amps as control amplifiers.

    Is is the absence of an active line stage, ie, passive pre? Or do they control the gain? The reference to the Burr-Brown VC seems to suggest not.

    If so, most of the integrateds in the market with a passive pre section are also "control amplifiers".... :confused: Marketing indeed :thumbup:

  16. #16
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Nice !
    Paul

  17. #17
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    By and large most preamplifiers, including preamplifiers in integrated amplifiers, exert most of their infuence reducing gain, not increasing it. If connected directly to a power amplifier, the typical source component's output voltage of 2.0 Vrms unbalanced or 4.0 Vrms balanced would immediately drive power amplifier peaks to full rated output or beyond. What a preamplifier does is allow user control over the source component output voltage by allowing adjustment from 0 volts to beyond the typical source component output voltage, thus providing volume control. Most of the time a preamplifier's function is to reduce output voltage sent to a power amplifier. The one exception to this is the phono stage part of a preamplifier. As we control volume, far more of a preamplifier's time is spent decreasing output voltage than is spent amplifying source component voltage beyond its typical output level.
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  18. #18
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    http://m.spearitsound.com/product.cg...6&product=9746

    Looks like retail is $5K. Hmmmmm.
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  19. #19

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Specifications not much to write home about for 2015 solid state product, just sayin.

    Specifications:
    Power: 135 watts per channel RMS both channels driven into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20 kHz at no more than 1% total harmonic distortion or intermodulation distortion.
    Sensitivity: 2 V rms to rated power
    Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20 kHz +0/-.3 dB
    Hum and Noise: 100 dB below rated power output
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  20. #20

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by Tomelex View Post
    Specifications not much to write home about for 2015 solid state product, just sayin.

    Specifications:
    Power: 135 watts per channel RMS both channels driven into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20 kHz at no more than 1% total harmonic distortion or intermodulation distortion.
    Sensitivity: 2 V rms to rated power
    Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20 kHz +0/-.3 dB
    Hum and Noise: 100 dB below rated power output
    Geez Tom, you mean it doesn't measure as well as your old Hafler gear? I guess that means your Hafler gear sounds much better so everyone should run out and buy a DH-110 preamp that never sounded worth a damn when it was new and a pair of Hafler DH 220 amps that were mediocre at best (the midrange couldn't touch the Dynaco ST-70 that David Hafler brought to market many years before the DH 220 with its awesome set of specs) instead of the cj integrated. Total cost would be around $500 for all three pieces instead of $5K for the cj. Ever wonder why the ST-70 is still bringing good money in the marketplace and you can hardly give away a DH 220? I don't.

    I owned the Hafler DH 220 when it first came out many, many years ago when I couldn't afford anything better. I know how that amp sounds. My best friend in Maine owned the DH-110 and it was a horrid sounding preamp. I had to bring my preamp to his house every time we listened to his stereo because we both knew how bad the DH 110 sucked. He finally sold the damn thing and bought a real preamp. You need to quit beating your chest over measurements and how swell your Hafler gear is and how you still think it represents the SOTA. The Hafler SS gear was never meant to be anything other than what it was: cheap entry level gear that sounded decent (except for the DH-110 which was just horrid). It was never an assault on the SOTA.
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  21. #21

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    While my nearly 30 year old gear does have as good and better specifications than this gear, despite opinions and preferences and pronouncements by some, the fact is this gear is less able to replicate a waveform per MEP than in his opinion entry level gear from 30 years ago.

    Therefore, its specs are not that good are they?

    All I am doing is making a simple point about specifications and not asking or seeking advice from anyone on how it sounds. Or an attack on gear designed by Erno Borberly and in conjuction with another well known and respected audio high end designer.
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  22. #22

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    ..
    Last edited by Tomelex; September 26, 2015 at 09:46 PM. Reason: double post
    Linear tracking TT, push-pull full function pre-amp. 450W pc mono blocks, speakers 1W 91 db: 2, 3rd and higher harm. less 0.35% at 30 to 20Khz +1 and -2db maximally flat. Assorted digital and SET gear

  23. #23

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by nfnc View Post
    They are functionally the same, afaik? ASR Emitter also markets their amps as control amplifiers.

    Is is the absence of an active line stage, ie, passive pre? Or do they control the gain? The reference to the Burr-Brown VC seems to suggest not.

    If so, most of the integrateds in the market with a passive pre section are also "control amplifiers".... :confused: Marketing indeed :thumbup:
    I think the reason for the ASR Emitter's distinction is because they are using two separate (external) power supplies. One for the input stage which is a battery PS (preamp) and the other for the output (amplifier). Quite different than the typical "integrated", it offers the basic benefits but adheres to the basic guidelines of truly having separate components.

  24. #24

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post

    ... stop that!!!

  25. #25

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by Elescher View Post
    I think the reason for the ASR Emitter's distinction is because they are using two separate (external) power supplies. One for the input stage which is a battery PS (preamp) and the other for the output (amplifier). Quite different than the typical "integrated", it offers the basic benefits but adheres to the basic guidelines of truly having separate components.
    Not to derail this thread but ASR has 2 versions. Exclusive with battery power supply for the pre section. Non exclusive versions do not have the battery power supply. For both versions, the power supply is external.

  26. #26
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    ... stop that!!!
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  27. #27
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Nice. How much ?
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  28. #28
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by Elberoth View Post
    Nice. How much ?

    US retail is $5,000. Seems a bit high.
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  29. #29
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    True. Especially if you condider that the Krell 400xi, with more power, better build quality and better specs, used to cost $2500. Sadly, hi-end prices are going up almost daily.
    Adam

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  30. #30

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    US retail is $5,000. Seems a bit high.
    With your equipment sure seems like the kettle calling the pot black But seriously, I'm thinking about buying one. Has anyone on this forum heard one?

  31. #31
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Welcome to the forum Marco, thank you for joining.

    The amp from which this is based is getting great reviews so I expect nothing less.
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  32. #32

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Welcome to the forum Marco, thank you for joining.

    The amp from which this is based is getting great reviews so I expect nothing less.
    Thank you for the welcome. Can you point me in the direction of the MF 2275 reviews. I haven't been able to find too much. I have the older MF 2250. I wonder how the CA150 might compare. My goal is downsizing from separates (Premier 12's and 16) without loosing too much. Also considering picking up a used CA200 for about $1k less. Decisions, decisions.

  33. #33

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    I had heard the CA200 was the cars meow and it is what Mr Conrad (or Johnson) used at his home. Same topology as the beloved Pr350 amp. Not sure what changed to the new version.

  34. #34

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by Dpod4 View Post
    I had heard the CA200 was the cars meow and it is what Mr Conrad (or Johnson) used at his home. Same topology as the beloved Pr350 amp. Not sure what changed to the new version.
    Well i just bought the CA200 that was listed on A'gon so I guess I'll find out at least how it compares to my Premier 16 and 12's. Put my babies for sale last night, so I hope I won't be disappointed.

  35. #35

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by marco1 View Post
    Well i just bought the CA200 that was listed on A'gon so I guess I'll find out at least how it compares to my Premier 16 and 12's. Put my babies for sale last night, so I hope I won't be disappointed.
    Well the CA200 arrived and my Pr. 16 and 12's are gone. I was very hesitant about this move but I must say that the CA200 is so much more than I expected. It's CJ all the way with that beautiful mid-range that they are known for. It's more extended than the Pr. combo it replaced and so much faster than the 12's. Bass is of course punchier than the 12's and the one thing that I feared would suffer, soundstage, is there in spades. Wide and deep with the holographic appeal that I thought I could get only with tubes.

    It unfortunately arrived with a problem in the right pre-out, so I'm dropping it by CJ (I live close) for the seller and I've gotten a refund. Question now is do I buy it back after its fixed or maybe step up to the new teflon solid-state amps. Or maybe even jump ship to Pass. That XP10 and X150.5 look very appealing. My Pr. 15 will help retain some of the tube warmth, although the CA200 seems to be as warm and inviting as the tube combo it replaced. More decisions. When I finally thought I would simplify things a bit, it seems I'm right back into that what if.....conundrum of our wonderful hobby

  36. #36
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by marco1 View Post
    Well the CA200 arrived and my Pr. 16 and 12's are gone. I was very hesitant about this move but I must say that the CA200 is so much more than I expected. It's CJ all the way with that beautiful mid-range that they are known for. It's more extended than the Pr. combo it replaced and so much faster than the 12's. Bass is of course punchier than the 12's and the one thing that I feared would suffer, soundstage, is there in spades. Wide and deep with the holographic appeal that I thought I could get only with tubes.

    It unfortunately arrived with a problem in the right pre-out, so I'm dropping it by CJ (I live close) for the seller and I've gotten a refund. Question now is do I buy it back after its fixed or maybe step up to the new teflon solid-state amps. Or maybe even jump ship to Pass. That XP10 and X150.5 look very appealing. My Pr. 15 will help retain some of the tube warmth, although the CA200 seems to be as warm and inviting as the tube combo it replaced. More decisions. When I finally thought I would simplify things a bit, it seems I'm right back into that what if.....conundrum of our wonderful hobby
    Marco, I'm lost on a number of fronts:

    1) If you used the CA-200, to replace your separates; why were you using the pre-outs??

    2) If you liked it that much; why didn't you and the seller, agree for him to pay for the repair (as opposed to a return)? And why are you thinking of jumping to Pass?

    I mean, Pass is great; but you've been a C-J guy...seemed to have loved the CA-200 (and for good reason). Why not get it back??
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  37. #37
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    +1

    The CA200 is a wonderful integrated and I'd take that over the combo you mentioned Marco.

    Plus living so close to CJ is an awesome resource. I would go crazy to have that available. They will fix it and make sure that it's perfect.


    Quote Originally Posted by CDLehner View Post
    Marco, I'm lost on a number of fronts:

    1) If you used the CA-200, to replace your separates; why were you using the pre-outs??

    2) If you liked it that much; why didn't you and the seller, agree for him to pay for the repair (as opposed to a return)? And why are you thinking of jumping to Pass?

    I mean, Pass is great; but you've been a C-J guy...seemed to have loved the CA-200 (and for good reason). Why not get it back??
    Last edited by joeinid; November 21, 2015 at 01:14 PM.
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  38. #38
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    So Chris, any update on the C-J 2550SE? You have piqued my interest in this piece.
    Last edited by joeinid; November 21, 2015 at 01:46 PM.
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  39. #39
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Me??
    CD

    DAC/Pre-amp - PSAudio DsJ > Power-amp - > Speakers - PMC TwentyFive 23s

  40. #40
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by CDLehner View Post
    Me??
    Sorry, C-J 2550SE
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  41. #41
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Sorry, C-J 2550SE
    Ah. Not sure what to say, other than I love it...lol

    It's powerful-sounding (I was surprised, that a review listed the unit...as doubling-down, to 500 @ 4ohms; because to my knowledge...C-J never posts those figures)...yet, of course, musical. I never had a 350...but I had an MF-2500A, and CA-200; and I would say the 2550SE, is just slightly leaner...than those units. That works fine for me...because the pairing, with the ET3-SE, is damn fine!

    According to the seller...who I couldn't believe more; the unit only has, about 150 hours on it (they were noting). So the caps, are really...no where near broken in. In other words...things can only, get better
    CD

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  42. #42
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Awesome! So happy for you. It WILL get better. Enjoy the ride and keep the updates coming.
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  43. #43

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    1) subs

    2) just grumpy I guess. Plus I don't want to wait 4 weeks or more for CJ to fix it. Then what if they find something else that the seller won't pay for? Just time to move on i think.

    Plus I really didn't expect solid state to sound as good as the CA-200 does. And it got me to thinking would separates ( and Pass) still give me more refinement? But this is like preaching to the choir isn't it?

  44. #44
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Marco,

    Would you consider the CA-150 from CJ?
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  45. #45

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Sorry Chris my last reply was to you. Haven't quite got the hang of navigating this site from my smart phone.

    Joe, yes have considered the new CA 150. That's what got me going on this thread to begin with..Then I saw the ad for the used 200. I really had no idea it might better my separates. Anyone have an idea how the Pass int150 stacks up against the CA 200?

  46. #46
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    While we're on the subject:

    I know back when the CA-200 was "hot"...when it seemed like every one of us, was passing one around, and giving it a try...lol; I even read about the amp section being sooo good...and essentially being a baby, Premier 175 if you will...that people were using it, as a stand-alone power-amp.

    When I got the ET3-SE, and wanted to mate it with C-J SS power; I even thought of going this route. I'm very happy, with the choice I made! But out of curiosity, how would one do it. Looking at the inputs on the back of the unit; what would bypass the "pre" section?
    CD

    DAC/Pre-amp - PSAudio DsJ > Power-amp - > Speakers - PMC TwentyFive 23s

  47. #47

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by CDLehner View Post
    While we're on the subject:

    I know back when the CA-200 was "hot"...when it seemed like every one of us, was passing one around, and giving it a try...lol; I even read about the amp section being sooo good...and essentially being a baby, Premier 175 if you will...that people were using it, as a stand-alone power-amp.

    When I got the ET3-SE, and wanted to mate it with C-J SS power; I even thought of going this route. I'm very happy, with the choice I made! But out of curiosity, how would one do it. Looking at the inputs on the back of the unit; what would bypass the "pre" section?
    Chris, not sure I've got this right. Others more knowledgeable should chime in. But its a control amp. No gain in the pre stage. So set the volume/gain to 0db whatever setting (0-99) that might be and control the volume with the active preamp you're going to drive the amp section with. A call to CJ wouldn't hurt though .

  48. #48
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Quote Originally Posted by marco1 View Post
    Chris, not sure I've got this right. Others more knowledgeable should chime in. But its a control amp. No gain in the pre stage. So set the volume/gain to 0db whatever setting (0-99) that might be and control the volume with the active preamp you're going to drive the amp section with. A call to CJ wouldn't hurt though .
    Do you guys agree; no gain...in other words, volume set to zero? As opposed to maxed out?
    CD

    DAC/Pre-amp - PSAudio DsJ > Power-amp - > Speakers - PMC TwentyFive 23s

  49. #49
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    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    I preferred the amp section built-in the CA200 instead of the Pr350 amp.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

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  50. #50

    Re: NEW !!! conrad-johnson CA150 Control Amplifier

    Actually I think you would set it to EPL2 which is unity gain.
    Last edited by marco1; November 21, 2015 at 06:45 PM. Reason: Typo

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