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I’m selling my wonderful Conrad Johnson PV-5 tube preamp, it’s in excellent condition with good tubes and in non-modified state. I bought it four years ago from The Music Room in Colorado. I paired it with a Marantz 8B amp and a pair of Quad ESL 57’s (sold) We are moving and I didn’t want to risk damage to these wonderful pieces and I needed to downsize anyway.The PV-5 is as good or better than what is said; it is so smooth and quiet, full tube sounds but not too much. No hum, just real quiet! It has a full low end and crisp, delicate highs. The phono section is superb! It has the usual features for a full preamp of its era; 2 outputs, 2 tapes, aux, tuner, phono. It has four AC connections, 2 switched.I can say this is the finest preamp I’ve owned. It’s never given me a seconds trouble. This probably explains why it’s seldom seen for sale. Lots of info on the net on this preamp, including a very glowing review by Stereophile Larry Archibald, who said it could be the best preamplifier ever made! I’ve loved owning and listening to it but it’s time for another audiophile to enjoy it!
Is USD2,000 too steep for a used Conrad-Johnson PV5? Absolutely—it's ambitious bordering on overpriced. Typical used market values hover around USD500-900 for clean examples, with serviced units or those recently retubed occasionally touching USD1,000 max; anything higher demands proof of exceptional condition or upgrades.
Before biting, verify tube life—demand recent photos of glowing valves and test hours, as these 1980s all-tube designs often need USD300-400 recaps or OEM retubing at C-J. Check phono stage functionality if included, and insist on the original power cord, manual, and shipping box to avoid surprises on this vintage gem.
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.
