Conrad Johnson Premier Fourteen 14, Line-Stage Tube Preamp With Remote Control

Description

Conrad Johnson Premier Fourteen 14, Line-Stage Tube Preamp With Remote Control
WHO WE ARE
SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of high end audio equipment. We only buy equipment that we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk.
Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold. We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.
Through our sister company, which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Project, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support.
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This is a very capable full featured all-tube preamp from USA maker Conrad Johnson. Their first preamp that offered remote control functionality.
It utilizes a super capable relay based resistive volume control instead of a conventional potentiometer.
Featuring a tubed output stage for that traditional CJ warm tube sound that made them one of the most sought after brands.
Tested in our lab where it performed admirable all around.
In very good cosmetic condition with only the slightest signs of use.
SkyFi Tube Notes:
All four tubes are GE Branded 6GK5 marked Gt. Britain (Likely Mullard). The tubes were all tested on our modern and professional tube tester (Amplitrex AT-1000). (2) test strong, (2) test OK and are equal channel to channel. When tested in circuit they all perform very well.
More from Conrad Johnson:
The Premier Fourteen was the first preamp in the conrad-johnson Premier product line to offer remote control.
The Premier Fourteen introduced conrad-johnson¹s innovative volume control employing a micro-processor to select combinations from an array of metal-foil resistors. This produces a stepped attenuator with 100 steps in approximately .7 dB increments. By controlling the two channels independently, balance can also be adjusted in 0.7 dB steps. Only the highest quality resistors are introduced into the signal path by the level control, resulting in a noticeable improvement in sound quality.
The audio circuit of the Premier Fourteen consists of a single triode amplifier direct coupled to a triode cathode follower. The low output impedance of the cathode follower permits the use of the Premier Fourteen even installations with long, highly capacitive amplifier interconnect cables without attenuation of the high frequency information and without softening transients. A zero feedback circuit ensures temporal accuracy and spatial detail.
The premier Fourteen was selected by many audiophiles and major magazine reviewers for their own personal use due to its superlative handling of musical transients, its dynamic range, and its very wide frequency response. This is the ultimate complement for any piece of high-end audiophile equipment.
Inputs/Outputs:
• phono/aux1 (AUX1 - No Phono Stage Installed)
• tuner
• CD
• video
• aux2
• two EPL loops for external processing or monitor and recording facilities
• one pair of main outputs
Controls:
• source selector
• EPL toggle
• level
• power
• sources and EPLs directly accessible by remote
• balance by remote
Specifications:
Gain:
25 dB
Phase:
Phase Inverting
Maximum Output
20 VRMS
Distortion:
less than .25% THD or IMD at 1.0 V output
Response:
bandpass 2Hz to more than 100kHz
Line Stage
96 dB below 2.5 volt output
Input Impedance:
100K ohms
Mechanical:
Dimensions:
19 W
3.75 H
15.25 D inches
Weight:
23 lbs.
Replacement Tube Set:
RTPR-14 - 4 X 6GK5s
The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.
At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.
We also test all tubes for output gain and leakage on our calibrated modern and professional tube tester against the original manufacturers specifications.  If needed, the tubes will be replaced from our vast NOS  (New Old Stock) vintage or modern inventory.
Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier. We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.
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PURCHASING GUIDELINES:
1)
This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home unless you opt for local pickup from our shop. All local pickup items are only wrapped in industrial strength clear stretch wrap if the original manufacturer packaging is unavailable.
Local pickup is available in Glen Rock, NJ, just a half hour drive from Midtown Manhattan, with convenient parking near our building.
If we don’t have the original manufacture’s packaging, we use heavy duty double-ply corrugated boxes with custom made to your item SealedAir Instapak expanding foam custom inserts. In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging!
We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages. Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box.
2)
We do not review or accept any offers that do not go through the official eBay system. We have too many items for sale and it is nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please do not message, email, or text any offers.
3)
All listings are eligible for the eBay Global Shipping Program, unless the item exceeds the maximum weight/price requirements to your country. If this is the case simply message us via eBay as we accept bank wire transfers for international payments and frequently ship worldwide via UPS.
4)
Please ensure your shipping address is correct within eBay as we will ONLY ship to the eBay/PayPal Confirmed Shipping Address.
No exceptions.
5
) eBay may charge and collect sales tax to your state/jurisdiction. Please understand we have no control over this.
eBay v1.5
Item
Included
Original Box
No
Manual
Online
Remote
Yes
Cables
Yes - Power
Physical Condition
8
Working Condition
10
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PURCHASING GUIDELINES:
We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official eBay system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please don’t message, email, or text any offers.
All listings are eligible for eBay’s Global Shipping Program unless the item exceeds the maximum weight/price requirements to your country. If this is the case, simply message us via eBay as we can accept bank wire transfers for international payments. And we frequently ship worldwide with UPS.
And please ensure your shipping address is correct within eBay as we ONLY ship to the eBay/PayPal Confirmed Shipping Address.
No exceptions.
TRADE IN POLICY:
We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions. Please visit our website to submit your gear for full consideration.
We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated surround processors, and mid-fi equipment of any type.
We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we’re running a business and will need to be able to resell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning, and packaging the incoming equipment. If you’re looking for top dollar, we suggest selling direct on your own.
SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken):
We’ll also purchase your uséd or broken gear and arrange pickup if you’re in our local market. Simply visit our website to submit your gear for full consideration.
SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT:
We are currently operating from our shop inside our dedicated building in Glen Rock, NJ.
You’re welcome to make an appointment if there’s a piece of equipment you’d like to see in operation before or after purchase. We have several well-equipped and dedicated listening areas, plus a dedicated listening studio with tons of equipment of all makes and models.
We’re not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you’re just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds. In essence - no tire kickers please.
You can message us here on eBay with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune your newly purchased gear in your listening room if you’re local to our area. This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers. It’s also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.
eBay v1.3
eBay integration
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