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New and rare opportunity to purchase this stunning pre-amplifier. Stock images so as not to open sealed box!
Against the recent used market, this is far above normal territory: the median comparable asking price is £1,412, the 75th percentile is £2,453, and this listing at £19,995 is not just ambitious but in a completely different bracket. Even allowing for a premium piece, you’d want a very specific reason to pay that kind of money over a typical used example.
What makes it interesting is the nameplate itself: Conrad-Johnson gear is usually prized for refined, spacious presentation and long-term listenability, so the appeal is real if this is a properly preserved, fully sorted example. At this level, the meaningful upside would be provenance, original packaging, verified service history, and excellent cosmetic and electrical condition; without those, the buyer is taking on serious value risk for a piece that is already priced well beyond the norm.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Conrad-Johnson emerged in the mid-1970s from the dissatisfaction of two American economists and audiophiles, Dr. William Conrad and Dr. Lewis Johnson, with the inconsistent performance of contemporary amplifiers. Founded in the United States, the company launched its inaugural product, the all-vacuum-tube PV-1 preamplifier, in 1977, quickly earning critical acclaim and establishing a benchmark for musicality. This debut propelled Conrad-Johnson into the forefront of the tube renaissance, with the iconic MV75 power amplifier following in 1978, solidifying its heritage as a pioneer in high-end audio craftsmanship.
The brand specializes in vacuum-tube preamplifiers and power amplifiers, renowned for their warm, engaging sound that prioritizes musical satisfaction over sterile measurements. While tube designs remain its cornerstone, Conrad-Johnson expanded into solid-state amplifiers and phonostages in the 1980s, alongside limited ventures like the Sonographe turntable line and electronics acquired in the late 1980s. All components are hand-built in the USA using simple circuits and premium custom parts, reflecting over four decades of refined design philosophy.
Conrad-Johnson holds an exalted position in the high-end market as an American classic, beloved by audiophiles for gear that "just sounds right." Its products command lust among enthusiasts worldwide, blending vintage appeal with sustained relevance, and consistently rank among the most musically rewarding options available.
See all Conrad-Johnson listings on RADAR.
