Conrad Johnson ART Preamplifier
is a vacuum-tube, line-stage preamplifier that looks as good as it sounds. It is also notable for convenience and ease of
use. The unit features input selection and level adjustment by microprocessor-controlled relays. Level and balance can be
adjusted in 100 steps of approximately .7 dB per step. All functions can be controlled by the hand-held wireless remote control.
The circuitry of the Conrad Johnson ART Preamplifier is elegant in its simplicity. The audio circuit consists entirely of a
single amplifier stage incorporating one composite triode comprised of four paralleled sections of ultra-high transconductance
miniature dual triodes. This arrangement achieves a low output impedance while reducing the number of active stages to the
absolute minimum of one, resulting in unparalleled sonic purity. DC voltage is supplied to this stage by cascaded discrete voltage
regulators that absolutely isolate the audio circuit from the power line by maintaining virtually zero impedance across the audio
frequency band. Conrad Johnson ART Preamplifier Infrasonic noise is minimized by operating the tube filaments (heaters) on a dc voltage supplied by another
discrete regulated power supply.
The Conrad Johnson ART Preamplifier is a vacuum-tube, line-stage preamplifier in a true dualmono configuration, with completely separate
right and left chassis. The unit features input selection and level adjustment by microprocessor- controlled relays. A data link,
which is isolated from the audio circuitry and grounds of the two channels, connects the two chassis to enable a single set of
controls to operate both channels, eliminating the bothersome dual volume controls that are the bane of conventional dual-mono
designs. Conrad Johnson ART Level and balance can be adjusted in 100 steps of approximately .66 dB per step. All functions can be controlled by
the hand-held wireless remote control.
The circuitry of the Conrad Johnson ART Preamplifier is elegant in its simplicity. The audio circuit consists entirely of a single amplifier
stage incorporating one composite triode comprising ten paralleled sections of high-transconductance miniature dual triodes.
This arrangement achieves a low output impedance while reducing the number of active stages to the absolute minimum of
one, resulting in a sonic purity that is unparalleled . Conrad Johnson ART DC voltage is supplied to this stage by cascaded discrete voltage regulators
that absolutely isolate the audio circuit from the power line by maintaining virtually zero impedance across the audio band.
Tube filaments (heaters) are operated on a dc voltage supplied by another discrete regulated power supply.
Of course, the full potential of any Conrad Johnson ART Preamplifier circuit can only be realized by using the finest available parts. In the ART Preamplifier,
the audio circuit (including the level control) is executed entirely with precision bulk metal foil resistors and
polystyrenecapacitors. Tubes have been carefully selected for minimum noise and micro-phonics. The dc regulated
power supplies use the same quality resistors as the audio circuits, and poly-propylene and polystyrene capacitors.
Switching relays are sealed and have gold plated silver contacts. Conrad Johnson ART Input and output connectors are machined from
oxygen free copper, and are gold plated. The component parts selected for the Conrad Johnson ART Preamplifier not only contribute
to its unmatched musical performance today, but will help assure that this performance can be sustained year after year.
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