CONRAD-JOHNSON PV9

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows minor signs of wear. Supplied with original packaging.

The Conrad-Johnson PV9 is a tube preamplifier created with a clear goal: to restore the full musical power of vinyl. Conceived as a conscious return to tradition, it does not strive for absolute neutrality but rather emphasizes tonal richness and naturalness, turning every playback into an engaging experience.

At the heart of the design is a direct and essential signal path, optimized for vinyl records. The phono stage employs 12AX7 and 5751 tubes in parallel configurations to reduce noise and maximize sonic purity, with a passive RIAA equalization network supported by high-quality polystyrene capacitors. The line stage also makes use of 5751 and 5965 tubes, chosen for their balance of gain and control, while the “zero feedback” design philosophy preserves the natural character of the music.

Every detail is engineered for absolute performance: large, low-loss capacitors, precision metal-film resistors, separate power supplies with independent regulation for each stage, and a non-magnetic aluminum chassis. The main board hosting the tubes is mounted on rubber supports to minimize microphony, ensuring stable and undistorted playback.

Volume control is handled by a high-precision ALPS potentiometer, while input management allows versatile operation.

The PV9 stands out for its meticulous build quality and for a sonic presentation that highlights musicality, though it requires careful matching with speakers and cartridges to bring out its best qualities. It is a preamplifier designed for vinyl enthusiasts over digital listeners, offering warmth, depth, and engagement with every session. It perfectly embodies the Conrad-Johnson philosophy: a refined instrument for true connoisseurs, prioritizing musical quality above all technical considerations.

Technical specifications:

• Full-function tube preamplifier with five line-level inputs, two tape loops, and one phono input
• Tube complement: 2x12AX7; 3x5751; 2x5965
• Frequency response: 2Hz–100kHz
• RIAA error: ±0.25dB
• Input impedance: 47kΩ in parallel with 100pF (phono); 47kΩ (line)
• Output impedance: less than 200Ω (main)
• Phono stage gain: 47dB
• Line stage gain: 31dB (polarity-inverting)
• Rated output level: 2.5V (20V peak maximum)
• Phono overload: greater than 200mV at 1kHz
• Distortion: THD <0.25%; IMD <0.25%
• S/N ratio (20Hz–20kHz): 77dB ref. 10mV input (phono); 85dB ref. 2.5V output (line)
• Dimensions: 48.3 cm W x 36.2 cm D x 13.3 cm H
• Weight: 9.1 kg