Conrad Johnson CA-200- power design of Premier 350 w/ Premier 18 control

buyer pays the Paypal fee of 2.9%

The CA200 is in many ways the ultimate embodiment of our corporate design philosophy that simple circuits yield best results.

Its audio circuit consists of a single voltage gain stage followed by a high-current buffer/output stage able to deliver nearly 200 watts per channel into 8-ohm loads. The amplifier circuit is similar to our highly regarded Premier 350, using conrad-johnson’s auto-linear j-fet voltage gain circuit and a high-current bi-polar output stage to achieve low distortion and a high damping factor with zero loop negative feedback.

The CA200 adds a discrete stepped attenuator level control and input selector switches (all operable by remote control) to eliminate the need for a preamplifier. In fact, there is no line-stage integrated into the CA200 – hence the term “control amplifier”.

Similar in function to an integrated amplifier, a control amplifier offers the significant potential improvement of eliminating superfluous connections, external cabling, and inter-device connection considerations that limit conventional audio systems. But the control amplifier also eliminates an entire stage of audio circuitry (the line stage) and its inherent colorations.

Most integrated amplifiers not only forgo the advantage of eliminating superfluous circuits, but also are cheapened to offer a low cost entry into a prestigious brand, thereby failing to achieve even the performance gains that could be afforded by integrating preamp and amp into a single package.

By contrast, the CA200 circuits incorporate top quality parts (metal foil resistors, polystyrene and polypropylene capacitors, machined gold-plated connectors, etc.) to fully realize the dramatic potential of a control amplifier to enhance the immediacy of musical experience afforded by fine recordings. As a result, the CA200 is notable for its resolution of subtle dynamic shadings and palpable imaging, for a natural harmonic tonality, and extraordinary resolution. A half-scale version of the Premier 350 amplifier at the CA200’s price would be an excellent value. Add in the full switching and level control functionality of the control amplifier and it can be seen to be a genuine bargain.

Most CJ Buffs Keep this amp and it does not come up often. Built Like the Premier Products were. A Premier 350 at half power 185watts and Premier 18LS; Conrad Johnson's words not my own. This All in One unit is rock solid and powerful, detailed, with a big sound stage and holographic. The CA200 has more punch and power than its little brother the CA150. 

For Reviews, Google: CA200 Control Amplifier as reviewed by John Acton

FROM: POSITIVE FEEDBACK As solid-state integrated amps go, conrad-johnson has a hands-down winner with its CA200 control amplifier. Elegant and graceful, with one of the best midrange presentations I've experienced, the conrad-johnson CA200 succeeds on so many levels at drawing the listener in to the heart of the musical performance. With enough inputs and outputs to fully support any reasonable music lover's source needs, and with enough power to drive most speakers in most rooms, the CA200 represents a true high-performance one-box solution for those not interested in compromising performance for convenience. Highly recommended. John Acton

FROM: Absolute Sound -The audio circuit comprises a single voltage gainstage, followed by a high-current buffer/output stage. “It’s exactly the same circuit found in the Premier 350, scaled down to roughly one-half scale (185 watts per channel), as dictated by the compact chassis size,” Johnson said. “This circuit uses our autolinear gain circuit that is designed for zero distortion (theoretical) with zero feedback—and in fact, as is the case with the Premier 350 amp, there is no loop feedback in the CA200.” Finally, the bipolar transistor output stage achieves a high damping factor without loop feedback.

The conrad-johnson CA200 control amplifier combines a scaled-down version of the company's Premier 350 solid-state power amplifier with the input/output user interface and volume attenuator of the Premier 18LS solid-state line stage preamplifier. The CA200's power amplifier employs the exact same circuit found in the larger Premier 350, the only differences being in the increased input sensitivity and lower output power. The CA200 utilizes a single voltage gain stage followed by a high-current buffer / output stage. The voltage gain stage makes use of MOSFETs as amplification devices, taking advantage of their tube-like transfer signature, whereas the output stage employs bi-polar output devices, chosen for their intrinsically high damping factor. The CA200 eschews global feedback.

The "control" portion of the CA200 control amplifier leverages the discrete input selector and resistor-based volume attenuator found in the Premier 18LS line stage. Volume is adjustable in 100 steps of approximate .7dB resolution. The CA200 provides for a multitude of inputs and outputs. There are five line-level inputs and two tape/external processor loops, one of which can be configured as a unity-gain pass-through for home theater use. While the CA200's line stage is passive in nature, one pair of unbuffered preamplifier outputs is included. All connections are single-ended, as the single voltage gain stage precludes balanced operation. The CA200 inverts absolute phase, so care must be taken to reverse the speaker connections to compensate.

Like all conrad-johnson products, the CA200 is assembled entirely by hand, and is thoroughly bench tested prior to leaving the factory. Parts quality is exceptional, with precision Vishay low-inductance laser-trimmed metal foil resistors utilized in the power supply and volume attenuator, and special proprietary conrad-johnson CJ-D polystyrene and polypropylene capacitors employed throughout.

HOW DO I THINK IT SOUNDS: 

As the owner, I think this has a truly great sound, It is powerful and commanding when mated with my Klipsch Forte (version 1's), or Revel Performa3 F208's, in fact a match made in heaven with control at Bass level, beautiful Mids and detailed highs w/ the smallest amount of roll at some levels.  If you have a CA150 and think it too thin on command and power, this is an upgrade

Cosmetically, it is very nice and 8 if not more but you only have 1 un-noticeable nick in front left bottom of face. See if you can find it. It comes with CJ box, remote and CJ manuals are all on line for this. 

Who am I?  You can see my feedback here and on other auction bay sites. I'm a CJ fan, a collector and refurbish what needs done by Factory CJ support. My equipment is tested by me or used as part of my daily listening.I look for quality equipment with great reviews and sound that will sell and for your benefit RE-SELL it when you are ready to swap or keep.