Typcial CJ sound, which is musical

Relatively cheap looking plastic remote

This is a very typical CJ product, if you want to get tube sound without tube maintenance, this is it!! I won't complain much even I switch from the AI M3A to the PFR. Other than the lower bass response is not quite as good as the KRC 3 and the 38S, it is a very decent pre amp and personally I like it more than the LS9, even the earlier LS3.
The only thing I don't like it is the cheap plastic remote control, which is not forgiveable for a almost $3000 product. I knew CJ realizes this problem and I hope their latest pre amp LV1 will have the metal remote. Also, I know CJ won't do balance XLR interconnect but I urge they consider adding it to their products for the sake of versatility.
Overall, a very 'tubish' solid state pre amp that you can keep on listening and listening with fatigue.

Similar Products Used:

Krell KRC 3, CJ PV12L, McCormack ALD 1, ARC LS 9, Levinson 38S, Audible Illusion M3A

I tried a number of preamplifers in the PFR's price range ($2500) but none beat the PFR's sheer musicality. The first thing that struck me about this remote-controlled, solid state preamp was its soundstaging - wow! It was typical CJ. It also sounds very open and transparent, and detailed, but not too detailed as to sound etched. Moreoever, the dynamics of this product are nothing short of incredible. I have have yet to hear its equal in this department. With seven inputs, it is also highly flexible. In terms of sonics, I can find nothing to quibble about with this product.
Which brings me to the remote - the damn remote. It's a cheap plastic wand that I can't believe it is part of a $2500 product. But that's only half the problem. It also occassionally locks up, and fails to send the proper command to the receiver. It is incredibly frustating. After lots of frustation, I sent my unit back to CJ, and the replaced a transistor, which helped slow down the frequency of the problem but didn't solve it completely. They told me they don't have other customers complaining, but I'm not buying it. It's just a cheap piece of technology on an otherwise wonderful product.

So, if you can handle occassional remote control problems (maybe you'll be luckier than I) and want first class sonics, check out the CJ PFR. You won't be disappointed with the sound, I promise. Four stars because of the cheap remote!

timbre, rhythmic agility

volume knob is coarse at low end

Been using my PF-R for four years, and find it to be a blast. Before purchase, I compared it - in my system - with the line stage in my Krell integrated, two Audio Research pre-amps (one tube, one solid-state), and a Rowland. The PF-R whacked them all when it came to truthful timbre, and whacked all but the Audio Reseach LS-2B in micro and macro-dynamics and timing, where I found the CJ and that particular AR to be more or less equal.

It's made for a great combination with my BEL power amps. Based on my experience with a Pass Labs ONO phono stage, which is a very high-gain device, I feel like the CJ is likely imposing a modest editorial effect on timbre, but it is all to the good in that it is that groovy golden-color associated with CJ's gold faceplates. (FYI, the ONO faceplate is light black/charcoal grey). And it certainly is not restraining time or values in any way: something that I can't imagine any preamp improving, but know that many preamps can impede. Likewise, micro and macro-dynamic And these virtues are evident in every kind of music I've heard; there is no "this unit is good for _________" kind of B.S., which necessarily implies the unit in question is not as good for something else.

My one complaint is with the volume knob, which doesn't seem to have fine enough a range at the low end of the knob, and which will pass some sound, on some inputs, even when turned down all the way (but there is no cross-input bleed, which would be unacceptable). I also sometimes have a low-level hissing sound from one channel, which comes and goes with phases of the moon. But the sonics are exemplary. BTW, the remote is very cheesy, but I don't often use it, so it's no big deal.

So an easy 5 for sonics, but a four for value 'cuz of the above-stated non-sonic caveats

Similar Products Used:

krell, audio research, rowland

I recently replaced the legendary Audible Illusions 3A with the PFR and a Black Cube phono stage.I only suggest doing this if you want better detail,dynamics,beautiful brass,vocals cymbals and bass,not to mention convenience and better build quality.As for the plastic remote,hey it works and is easy to hold,you want one out of milled aluminum,you pay a couple hundred bucks more.Trt this audio gem vs. ANY preamp.A true high end bargain.The sound just sparkles,a natural.

Very Hi quality parts in and out.

Plastic remote control. I want metal remote.

This amp is so versatile, with 2 processor loops to
expand your system with AC-3 and DTS and more.
For the money its hard to match. Nothing in its price
range comes close.Runs very cool and great looking.
If u cant afford new, then buy a used one that is
already broken in. No moving parts so it lasts for ever.
The sound is very sweet. No harshness at all. Beauty and Performance in one unit is hard to find.
Stereophile Class "A" component.
Go for the GOLD!!!!. .

Similar Products Used:

Classe, Parasound, krell

Supremely enjoyable and unfatigueing reproduction, equally suited to all kinds of music, a pleasure to operate. Drives long cables well.

Non-detachable power cord, overly sensitive volume control, otherwise none

Although not quite as resolving and three-dimensional as today's best preamps, the PFR counters with extraordinary body, timbre and rythm (sense of movement and fun) that benefits music of every category.
The truly great thing about the PFR is the mysterious way in which it succeeds at being attention-grabbing, a bit upfront even, while remaining eminently natural sounding and unobtrusive. Not many hi-fi products manages this delicate balancing act. The SFCD-1 CD player is one that comes to mind, but the PFR beats even that one over the long haul by its greater neutrality - avoiding noticeable coloration and bloom altogether - while still providing a touch of midrange warmth. A classic product deserving the highest recommendation. Don't be put off by the modest price!

My system comprises of the following.Preamp: conrad-johnson PFR
Poweramps: conrad-johnson MF2300 and MF2100
CD Player: Arcam Alpha 8
Loudspeakers: Paradigm Studio 80 (reference series)
Speaker Cables: Nordost Super Flat-line Gold MKII (Bi-wire cable)
Interconnects: Blue Heaven (Silver wire)

The cj PFR is a very interesting preamp such that it is not a conventional preamp, rather a high-level Line Stage preamplifier. This is what makes it interesting because it is so versatile and efficient that you would have to spend much more on a preamp of this calibre. The PFR can bring out the best of virtually any power amp out there, however due to listening preferences and tastes, in my opinion the PFR matches perfectly with cj's MF series of solid state power amplifiers. The remote control unit of the PFR may seem a little out of place, mainly because in my experience of high-end audio remote control units are for low-end and very rarely is found in the mid or high-end category. All in all, the PFR's remote control unit's purpose is simplicity and ease of use. Remote controls could be cumbersome sometimes, having too many remotes at hand may seem like another cheap product at your service, with ease of use and later on numerous problems on signal transfer/receiving. So far the remote control unit of the PFR has not failed in any way, other than ocassional static reproduced by the speakers whenever the level control is attenuated or reduced. Therefore, I do not use the remote at all, unless I want to be plain lazy! My Arcam Alpha 8 CD player also has a remote control unit which sits quitely in its carton and only comes out when other audiophiles would like to see its design, apart from that "no remote control units at all!"
I will close my review by saying, "the conrad-johnson PFR lies between the fine line of musicality & a live performance, that fine line is detail."

I will give the PF-R 5 stars for fussfree behavior, great musicality, rytmic flow and pace. Regardless type of music it serves well.

Remarkable quality and lovely sound reproduction

Remote is a bit weak

Couldn't beleive the incremental sound quality in a wide variety of recordings (from Lucinda Williams to Radiohead to Sleater Kinney). 11 months later, still qiving me a huge amount of satisfaction. I'm using it with a Naim CD3, Carver amp and Vandersteen Model 2s. I intend on trying a C-J MF2500 amp in the next few months and hope for another step.

Quality all the way

This is one of the finest pieces of audio equipment I have ever heard. I have owned a CAT Signature mkII, an Audible Illusions Modulous 3 and an sf line 3 in the past. This linestage not only sounds to these ears better than all of those preamps (which were all fine indeed) but the build quality and features are unbelievable. . The power supply is incredible. The remote is to die for . This pre amazes me because the sounds is so natural, incredibly detailed yet not etched, and the sounstage and imaging are unbelievable. This preamp is so non-fatiguing and musical that it has me listening to the MUSIC again and not the components. My best friend (a professional sax player) has been with me through each upgrade to my system and was awestruck at the realistic "live" quality and the energy this preamp breathed into the music. Trumpets and saxes actually sound like trumpets and saxes. I've NEVER heard drums sound this good on reproduced music. If you get the impression I like this preamp, you're right. This gem will stay in my system for some time to come. I'd give it 6 stars if I could!!!!!!!!!!

Similar Products Used:

Sonic Frontiers line 3, Aud.Illusions 3a, Blue circle