The Conrad-Johnson CAV-60 is a vacuum-tube stereo control amplifier that combines the functions of a preamplifier and power amplifier in a single component. Designed around Conrad-Johnson's minimalist circuit philosophy, the CAV-60 eliminates the separate line stage found in conventional integrated amplifiers, reducing circuitry, connections, and potential sources of signal degradation.
Its circuit design is closely related to the highly regarded Conrad-Johnson Classic Sixty-Two power amplifier. The output stage uses a pair of EL34 vacuum tubes per channel operating in ultralinear mode, delivering 60 watts per channel. Triode voltage gain and phase inverter stages complete the signal path, maintaining a straightforward architecture intended to preserve musical detail and tonal accuracy.
The CAV-60 is designed to deliver the immediacy and natural presentation associated with high-quality tube amplification. Its carefully selected components include precision metal-film resistors throughout the audio circuits and power supplies, along with polypropylene capacitors in the signal path. Larger reservoir capacitors in the unregulated power supply help improve bass response and reduce the noise floor.
Conrad-Johnson's attention to component quality extends to the speaker connections, which use billet brass binding posts with rhodium-over-silver plating and gold-plated nuts.
By eliminating the additional circuitry and interconnects of a separate preamplifier and power amplifier combination, the CAV-60 offers a streamlined approach to high-performance tube audio while retaining the musical character and craftsmanship associated with Conrad-Johnson.
Key Features
Vacuum-tube stereo control amplifier combining preamplifier and power amplifier functions
60 watts per channel
Two EL34 output tubes per channel
Ultralinear output-stage operation
Triode voltage gain and phase inverter stages
Circuit design related to the Conrad-Johnson Classic Sixty-Two power amplifier
Minimalist circuit topology eliminates a separate line stage
Precision metal-film resistors throughout audio circuits and related power supplies
Polypropylene capacitors used throughout the audio circuits, except power supply reservoir capacitors
Enhanced power supply reservoir capacitance for improved bass response and lower noise
Billet brass speaker binding posts with rhodium-over-silver plating
Individually hand assembled and inspected
Three-year limited warranty covering parts and labor, excluding vacuum tubes