Conrad Johnson PV8 Pre-Amplifier

The basic audio circuit of the PV8 is modular, built from individual gain blocks consisting of a triode amplifier direct coupled to a cathode follower. The phono stage consists of a gain block, a passive RIAA network, and a second gain block. The line stage consists of a single gain block. These stages use polypropylene capacitors bypassed by a polystyrene capacitor for the output stages. Even the main dc power supplies used polypropylene capacitors - there are no electrolytic capacitors in the audio circuits or their related power supplies. Paralleled triode sections at the phono input yield nearly 3 dB improvements in the signal to noise ratio over a single input tube (as used in the earlier PV5).Really sounds great with all signal sources, but especially good on phono with over 46 db gain. Also has auto muting to suppress warm-up transients. Beautiful tube sound w/ outstanding phono stage. Has 2 tape loops and 2 main outputs, attractive front rack handles. 

The PV-8 has an extraordinary ability to capture musical rhythms, and thus bring out brilliance and exitement.There is a fine sense of depth to the stage, and the image is wide and exact. The string sound is very good, warm and smooth. Voices are reproduced with great body and naturalness. Cymbals have an exciting, metallic shimmer and vibes emit globelike notes, rounded and liquid.ne}