conrad-johnson CLASSIC 62 AND 120 VALVE POWER AMPLIFIERS

Even after 40 years since their were first product (the conrad-johnson Preamplifier), Bill Conrad and Lew Johnson show no signs of slowing down in their quest to keep refining the sound and overall performance of their products. And, of course bring it closer and closer to the natural, live musical experience. Classic 62 (and 62SE) and Classic 120 (and 120SE) are another proof of evolution (rather than self-proclaimed revolution) that brings significant improvements and move the goalposts of achievable further away. As with previous generational changes, new models have superior mains and, even more importantly, output transformers with extra wide bandwidth and even lower level of noise. Superior circuit boards with optimised layout and new internal wiring also help a lot.
However, the Classic 62 and 120 valve power amplifiers go even one step further. On paper, we look at two different models (generating 60W and 120W per channel respectively). In fact, we have four different amplifiers on offer this time round!! How come? On top of the usual refinements (bespoke CJD Teflon capacitors, oodles of Vishay metal-foil resistors, et) , the Special Edition (SE) variants come with the brilliant KT120 output valves, while standard models entail the best available EL34 option. This in no way means that the standard Classic 62 and 120 are lacking in any respect or area of performance, but the SE versions are brought even closer to the edge of the performance envelope with KT120 valves as power plants.
All new Classsic amplifiers are available either from stock or with a moderate lead time from the factory. UK prices have been set as follows: Classic 62 - £4895 inc VAT; Classic 62SE - £6495 inc VAT; Classic 120 - £8995 inc VAT; Classic 120SE - £10995 inc VAT.

As Cardas Audio celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the company, CLEAR CYGNUS family of cables will include, single ended and balanced interconnects, speaker and phono cables. Featuring the finest Cardas proprietary copper and Matched Propagation conductors, Cygnus are here to replace the successful Clear Light designs, bringing a noticeably improved overall performance at only a marginally different cost.
Clear Cygnus Interconnect benefits greatly from the latest developments in the Clear product line, including a more economical version of the Clear Beyond Interconnect’s air-tube suspension. The sound of the new Cygnus is very transparent and detailed, but, at the same time with a richer texture and better low frequency performance compared to the Light. Good, neutral balance combined with the traditional Cardas musicality remain the strong trade marks of all Cygnus cables.
Clear Cygnus Speaker cable improves on the Clear Light Speaker with a more revealing, holographic and refined sound. The Matched Propagation geometry seriously improves the dynamic abilty of the cable as well. Another welcome bonus is the fact Cygnus Speaker can be internally bi-wired (not an option with Clear Light).
Clear Cygnus Phono cable uses a quad-axial conductor arrangement which allows a very high level of performance at a relatively low cost for a Clear family cable of the kind. Cygnus Phono brings an extremely high degree of transparent musicality into the sound of your LP playback system without any trace of mechanical or aggressive character so common nowadays. As with other Cygnus variants, Phono cable performs really well at the bottom end of the frequency range with full authority and control, but without losing the body of the instruments at any time.
Clear Cygnus Interconnect prices start at £790 incl. VAT (1m set), the Clear Cygnus Speaker at £1080 incl. VAT (1.5m set), the Clear Cygnus Phono costs £490.00 (1.25m with std DIN tonearm connector).

It is a well-known fact that our relationship with Kazutoshi Yamada and Zanden Audio Systems is a very precious and special one. While some may say that pursuing “audio jewellery” of the kind is futile in today’s day and age, we beg to differ for a very simple reason – true state of the art jewellery is timeless and always performs at it’s best and withstands the test of time long into the future. Not only, Zanden components demonstrate a such a natural musical character, no matter what the source may be (analogue or digital) that it has been, is and will remain a benchmark and long-term point of reference for all who follow artificial reproduction of music, rather than pursue ‘perfect hifi’ as their ultimate goal within the domain.
Meeting Yamada-san at the High-End 2017 show in Munich a few weeks ago was, as always, a most enjoyable and illuminating experience. At last, the long awaited Model 3000Mk2 valve remote (yes, remote!!!) line preamplifier is now shipping (UK list price will be £23900 incl. VAT) and we cannot wait to lay our hands on the first sample arriving before the end of June. We will, of course, report on this important new Zanden product before too long. It is good to know that the Model 8120 stereo power amplifier and the Model 9600Mk2 mono amplifiers now have a state of the art control unit ahead of them in the audio signal path.
New developments are also quite possible within the next 12-18 months. We have been strongly advocating for a high-powered push-pull mono amplifier using either KT120 or KT150 output valves. Imagine the Model 8120 as a single channel amplifier generating over 200 comfortable Watts and driving some of the best loudspeakers available today!!! Serious work is also taking place in the domain of digital playback, watch this space for some interesting news in the months to come.
Last but not least, if anyone still may desire either the Model 2500S single chassis CD player or, possibly even the Model 2000P CD transport combined with the Model 5000MkIV Signature d/a processor…let us know. They may officially no longer exist, but given some good will and a lot of patience, nothing is impossible. We still happen to have a good inventory of the, crucial, Philips CDM2-PRO drive mechanism kicking around…

Following the excellent album of BelCanto operatic overtures by Orchestra national d'ile-de-France, Enrique Mazzola has given us another orchestral marvel to enjoy. Tis time, we have "El amor brujo" (Bewitched Love) and "Le Tricorne/El Sombrero de Tres Picos (The Three Cornered Hat) composed by Manuel de Falla on the menu. One is a "beguiling musical gitanieria, the other a gorgeous symphonic suite. Both are played and presented in superbly authentic colours and mannerism of Spanish culture, music and flamenco dancing. Not only, El Amor Brujo also includes a genuine and proper "cantaora" - a traditional female singer/dance of the flamenco style.
Mazzola's conducting and ONDIF's playing is at the usual high level with beautiful precision, poignancy, rhythmic perfection and, above all, very emotional rendition of complex nuances de Falla's music imposes by default.
The sound of this new ONDIF/MAZZOLA recording is very natural, spacious and dynamic. Almost as if the, somewhat traditional "french" sonic signature of tight, precise and well behaved sound throughout the audible range suits de Falla's music even more.
The new Ondif/Mazzola CD is available from our Online Store within this web site.