CONRAD-JOHNSON MV-50

Pre owned. In good conditions. Shows signs of wear. Original packaging not included.

The Conrad-Johnson MV50 is one of the American brand’s earliest vacuum tube power amplifiers, manufactured between 1985 and 1990. It features EL34/6CA7 output tubes and delivers 45 watts per channel—a technical choice that favors tonal refinement over sheer power. As a direct evolution of the earlier MV45, the MV50 was enhanced with more sophisticated circuitry, including an input voltage amplifier stage with a cathode follower designed to provide low output impedance to the phase inverter stage. These two stages are directly coupled, eliminating one capacitor from the signal path. The remaining coupling capacitors are high-quality CJD polystyrene types, highlighting Conrad-Johnson’s trademark attention to design detail.

The power supply section includes separate discrete DC voltage regulators for both the input amplifier and the phase inverter, resulting in greater operating stability and a clean, dynamic sound. On the rear panel, the unit offers screw-type speaker terminals for 4, 8, and 16 ohms, a single pair of line-level inputs, and two plate fuses for output tube protection. The rack-mount-style front panel gives it a professional look and features the power switch.

Praised for its warm, detailed musicality, the MV50 is a landmark product in the brand's history, marking a key step in the evolution of its tube amplifier line.

Technical specifications:

• Power output: 45 watts per channel RMS into 4, 8, or 16 ohms; both channels driven from 30 Hz to 15 kHz with less than 1% THD or IMD
• Input sensitivity: 2.35 Volts RMS to reach rated power
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to over 20 kHz; +0, -0.5 dB
• Hum & noise: 90 dB below 45 watts
• Dimensions: 19 in (W) x 9 in (H) x 11.5 in (D)
• Weight: 39 lbs (17.7 kg)