Conrad JohnsonTEA1 s1usedConrad Johnson TEA1B s1 with Factory UpgradesThe TEA1 series is Conrad Johnson's flagship tube phono preamplifier. It can be ordered in several different configurations, depending on the buyer's budget and goals. Prices have ranged from $...4295.00

Conrad Johnson TEA1B s1 with Factory Upgrades

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Condition
9/10
Payment methods
Ships fromMurfreesboro, TN, 37129
Ships toUnited States
Package dimensions23.0" × 22.0" × 9.0" (23.0 lbs.)
Shipping carrierFedEx
Shipping costFree
Original accessoriesBox, Manual
AverageResearch Pricing

The TEA1 series is  Conrad Johnson's flagship tube phono preamplifier.   It can be ordered in several different configurations, depending on the buyer's budget and goals.  Prices have ranged from $12k to $20k.  The current latest version is the series 3.   This unit started life as a TEA1B s1, which is the entry point into the TEA1 series.

I bought it from a CJ dealer in May of 2020 as a one owner trade in.  I was looking for something with more gain than the 54 dB of my TEA2 HG MAX.  I also wanted to have capacitive cartridge loading options, which the TEA2 does not offer.   Those who are familiar with the TEA1B will know that the B model does not have the high gain option, so the dealer sent it directly to CJ and it was modified to include the factory transformer option.  You can see all the white CJD proprietary capacitors.  The casework identifies it as having had the transformers added.  It was shipped directly from CJ to me.

So ... this unit has one channel that is set up for 54 dB of gain (suitable for LOMC cartridges down to about .5mV at 5 cm/s output rating).  The other channel has the transformers, which boost gain to the mid 60 dB range, suitable for Super LOMC cartridges like those rated at .2 or .3 mV.

The lower gain channel has both resistive and capacitive loading options via dip switches that are on the back of the unit.  You do not have to remove the top plate to access them.  When transformers are used to step up the gain, there is no need to modify resistive or capacitive loading, so the transformer equipped channel doesn't have those adjustments.

 Neither the TEA1 or the TEA2 series phono preamps are available with remote control, so there is no remote control.  It will come with the CJ top of the line OEM power cord, owner's manual, and factory packaging.

This unit is in excellent condition. It looks and functions as a well cared for, properly broken in, five figure phono preamp.  In the photo of the dip switches, the chassis had "low gain" originally marked, but since the low gain option is actually even less than 54 dB, this was colored over by the factory.

The tubes have less than 150 hours on them (they were installed new at the first of this year … platinum grade no cryo from Upscale Audio).   I have had several  phono preamps in parallel competition with this one this year, in several different systems, including a TEA2MAX, an ARC PH8, and an ARC Ref Phono 3.  In my opinion, this unit and the ARC Ref Phono 3 are the best that I've ever heard.  I am using recent model LP12s with Lyra Etna and Kleos cartridges.  I’ve sold the PH8 and TEA2MAX.   I am keeping the REF Phono 3 because of its synergy in my remaining single ARC based system.  

Free shipping to the contiguous United States.  No PayPal fee.  I will cover it.  Call or text me with questions.  My cell phone is 931-260-6596.

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