Hottuna

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 3.00 votes

Price Paid:  $595.00 from London

Summary:
I originally had and exposure 17 pre & two 18 power amps in biamp configuration.I bought this power amp after getting fed up with my exposure 18 super power amps.
They were fast but I longed for some depth detail and space in my music without going into the slow but big sound.

I listened to the Conrad Johnson MF200 and decided it was for me. It has plenty of power for my Sonus Faber Minima Amator speakers has masses more depth detail and insight into the music. Treble is good detailed but not edgy and the mid-range is its best area truly excellent much better than my exposures. Bass is there when its in the music but its not Krell tight and deep, just fine for my small speakers.

PRaT fator is not to the Naim / Exposure level but still good much better than other big amps. This amp coupled with my exposure17 preamp is a fantastic match. It allows the pre-amp to show how good it really is no longer strangled by the Exposure power amps. Only with the Conrad Johnson MF200 can now see why Stereophile rated the Exposure17 preamp class B.

Try it you won't be sorry!

Strengths:
Midrange - magnificent tube like natural

Massive power potential

Great for classical music, Jazz, Funk, Electro all except ROCK

Has good pace and musicality

Excellent detal gives musical insight

This is an amplifier that grows on you and is easy to listen to.

Weaknesses:
Mains power sensitive transformer noise / hum dependant on mains quality and voltage internally must be set correctly.

Gets peaky and sound hardens when driving hard

Not best for Rock

PRaT slower than Exposure / Naim (but what isn't!!!)

Similar Products Used:
Exposure 18 (fast)
Naim 140 (fast)
Audio Research D70 (Great)
Radford STA25 (Slow / dull)

Price Paid:  $750.00 from Local HIFI Dealer

Summary:
Trying to find reviews on slightly older CJ amps is next to impossible. It is time to change that. The MF200 is a huge amp weighing in at 59 lbs and has large external heat sinking at the rear. I can appreciate that because it enhances cooling as well as reliability. This is a fantastic power amp with unlimited power reserves (Try clipping this baby!) delivering a smooth warm sound for a S.S. amp. It throws a big sounstage as well. I personally prefer this amp over the McCormack Deluxe DNA-1. Like other highly sophisticated amps, the full potential of this product cannot be fully realized unless the associated equipment is of equal quality. I'm using this amp with a Audio Research LS1 preamp and the sound is spectacular! I highly recommend the MF200.

Strengths:
Soundstaging, tubelike sound. Quality parts and build. Tons of power.

Weaknesses:
NONE

Similar Products Used:
McCormack, B&K, Audio Research, Rotel, Music Fidelity.

Summary:
I use this amp in my bedroom, with c-j pf-1 preamp, proceed pdt-2 and pdp-2 digital, rega/sumiko turntable, chapman T-7 speakers, linked with Music Advancement Company interconnects and Marshall speaker wire. Used it previously in my listening room, with Audio Research LS-2 pre-amp, and Snell C IVs.
I listen to electronica, mainly house and trance, and find connie j gear works best to smooth out this processed music yet retrieve lots of detail. This amp is a good match with the Chapman speakers. Very articulate sound overall, not the ultimate of course, but imbued with a non-solid state warmth or glow, and strong control of the bass. Bass can be a bit wooly, but hey, you want better, you pay more. This amp is a true gem if you need power, and like to listen to electronica.

Strengths:
warmth, overall harmonic coherance, value

Weaknesses:
lacks ultimate transparency and control

Similar Products Used:
conrad-johnson evolution 2000; krell ksa 100