Conrad Johnson PV5 All-Tube Preamplifier with Phono - Serviced

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This is a super capable all-tube preamplifier from Conrad Johnson.

Fully tested in our shop to clean and quiet controls, good tubes, now ready to rock!

This is the 3rd PV5 to come into our shop over the last year and each is always a quick seller due to its incredible phono capabilities and other functions.

Super clean condition with no significant signs of use.

SkyFi Engineer Notes:
• Recapped Power Supply and replaced 910K resistor.
• Good solid performance on line level and phono at bench.
• Set up for listening test and noticed time delay relay not working properly - measured 50-100 ohms instead of short to ground. Removed and cleaned relay to resolve.
• Noticed physical scratching in volume control - however no issue on scope.
• Removed volume control and lubricated with F5 to resolve.
• V5 is microphonic and socket or tube is noisy - Replaced.
• Tested all tubes (modern and professional calibrated tube tester), replaced V5.
• Listening test - PASS.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects 

More from Conrad Johnson:

The PV5 was a completely new preamp in all areas.

The sophisticated circuitry allowed the PV5 to outperform preamps nearly three times it price. The PV5 was the personal choice as a reference preamp for many audio reviewers at the time!

Low noise mil-spec resistors and polypropylene capacitors were used throughout the PV5 and the famous “CJD” polystyrene capacitors were used throughout the signal path.

Their wide bandwidth and low sonic “memory” permitted precise attack and decay of musical transients. RIAA phono equalization was set with 1% tolerance parts. Eight factory burned-in vacuum tubes were used in the PV5.

Conrad Johnson PV5 Preamplifier - Manual

Features:
Inputs/Outputs
• Phono
• Tuner
• Auxiliary
• Tape1 and Tape2 recorder inputs with monitor and recording facilities
• Two main outputs
• Auto-muting to suppress warm up transients

Controls:
• Selector
• Tape 1/Tape 2
• Source/Monitor
• Mode (Stereo/Reverse/Mono/Left/Right)
• Balance
• Power
• Volume

Specifications:
• Gain: Phono Stage 41.5 dB (phono overload 500 mV at 1kHz)
• Line Stage 28.5 dB
• Distortion: less than .05% THD or IMD
• Response: bandpass 2Hz to more than 100kHz
• RIAA Equalization: +/- .25 dB (20 to 20 kHz)
• S/N Ratio: Phono Stage 72 dB below 10 mv input
• Line Stage 84 dB below 2.5 volt output
• Phase: Line Stage phase correct, Phono Stage phase correct

Mechanical:
• 16″ X 3″ x 10″

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier. We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.