Tube Electronics--1988 vs. 2026--and the winner is?
67K views · Apr 28, 2026 · Science & Technology
Comments · 281
@teck13 · 5 months ago · pinned
Makes me wish, more than ever, I never sold my CJ PV10 that I very likely purchased from you at Sound by Singer. Yep, about a $1,000 back in the 1990’s.
2
@EduardoGorab · 1 month ago
Dear Steve, excellent tribute to CJ and AR as well, two real exponents of tube audio. Thank you!
1
@redstarwraith · 5 months ago
I was wondering for YEARS when you were going to review some Conrad-Johnson gear!
18
@leeloopatsy · 5 months ago
The big difference between ultra high end hi-fi in the 80s and today is the price. It used to be around the price of a small car but today it’s the price of a house.
20
@haggismacallan9722 · 5 months ago
Just got my PV2a back from Jeff after it had sat idle, like the rest of my 80’s gear, for 30 years. He said “see you in ten years”. I find I’m appreciating my “old” system so much more now that I’m older than I did when it was new. And the PV-2 is the absolute heart of that system. Thanks Steve, for putting into words how I feel.
5
@lokerola · 5 months ago
Would love to hear a vintage CJ PV8 sometime. Thanks for all you do Steve - I watch all your vids!
10
@jondu-sud274 · 5 months ago
Your enthusiasm jumps right out of the screen 🎉
11
@diment0857 · 5 months ago
This struck home as I've used a variety of CJ equipment over the years - including their first preamp that put CJ on the map later named the PV1 ! - and my impressions are exactly like yours, listening to CJ is like taking an ultra relaxing warm bath complete with candles and luscious scents , who needs razor-sharp detail when you're in this state of nirvana?
16
@raykuiper4979 · 5 months ago
Do own the PV7,this piece will never leave me
6
@billirby2541 · 1 month ago
Steve, been with you forever and this was one of your coolest shows! I should have got a PV8 when I could! Take care.
@carlosbauza1139 · 5 months ago
It is great to reminisce about the performance of those tube units. I owned Dynaco Pas-3with ST-70, And my uncle had McIntosh and Marantz tubed gear (with AR/Janz/zen speakers)! Great times!
2
@GiguereSylvain · 4 months ago
I got my Counterpoint SA-1 refurbished like-new and would never replace it by ""modern" over priced gear.. I equally owned a CJ preamp that I equally loved... and a Marantz 7C (still biting my fingers for having sold it though.. ) not "all" but lots of vintage gear is really great and musical, when in great shape or updated.. Hi from Québec SylvainQc
2
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