Conrad Johnson--does anyone use this brand anymore?

I've been smitten with CJ ever since hearing a buddy's PV5 preamp.  Was it "colored"?  Did it have a touch of honey about it? Yep.  But every time we listened to music through it I found myself relaxed and smiling.  Not bad!

I've been using a Bob Backert heavily modified PV12L for years now and it is awesome.  Even before the mods. that CJ smooooooothness was there.  I always attribute much of their gears' sonic success at the attention to the power supplies in their designs.

Almost bought a CJ SS amp years ago, but ironically enough went the McCormack route.  As fate would have it, McCormack is now a CJ line!

As zavato mentions, cj does have that "Golden Sound" to match up with their golden faceplates.  My guess would be that a cj tube pre matched with a cj tubed amp may in some systems be a bit too much of that golden glow.

@jafant   

"No doubt that Pass Labs is the best solid-state gear at this juncture"

The Best?  I don't doubt that Pass Labs is excellent SS gear...but

Loved the MF2300 SS amp except for lack of bass impact and tautness.  the 2500 improved the bass considerably.

Wish I had a cj dealer nearby to hear their current offerings.

@jafant  I'm in Lancaster County, PA.  Buggies - yes.  Audio Emporiums - not so much!

Where r u?

@ebm hyperbole?

@grannyring   Thanks for the perspective!