Conrad Johnson, ACT2 Full Feature Reference Preamp - TRUE HiEnd!

THE ACT2 PREAMPLIFIER EMBODIES CONRAD-JOHNSON’S LATEST ADVANCES IN LINE-STAGE PREAMPLIFIER TECHNOLOGY. The ACT2 is the successor to the legendary ART preamplifier that has been widely recognized as the reference standard for line-stage preamplifiers since its introduction in 1996. The ACT2 incorporates the breakthrough concept of the composite triode circuit (which has garnered more than a dozen international awards for Conrad-Johnson preamplifiers). The ACT2 refines this approach by implementing circuit upgrades and by taking advantage of recent advances in materials technologies. The end result is a line-stage preamplifier that had been quickly recognized as a new industry-wide reference standard.

The ACT2 Preamplifier is a vacuum-tube, line-stage preamplifier with strikingly good looks. It's well know for its convenience and ease of use. The unit features input selection and level adjustment by microprocessor-controlled relays. Level and balance can be adjusted in 100 steps of approximately .7 dB per step. All functions can be controlled by the hand-held wireless remote control.

The circuitry of the ACT2 Preamplifier is elegant in its simplicity. The audio circuit consists entirely of a single amplifier stage incorporating one composite triode comprised of four paralleled sections of ultra-high transconductance miniature dual triodes. This arrangement achieves a low output impedance while reducing the number of active stages to the absolute minimum of one, resulting in unparalleled sonic purity. DC voltage is supplied to this stage by cascaded discrete voltage regulators that absolutely isolate the audio circuit from the power line by maintaining virtually zero impedance across the audio frequency band. Infrasonic noise is minimized by operating the tube filaments (heaters) on a dc voltage supplied by another discrete regulated power supply.

Considerable care and attention has been paid to the physical aspects of the design. Microprocessor controlled relays, used for selecting sources and level setting, are located right at the input connectors, keeping signal paths short to minimize crosstalk between channels and inputs. Critical audio circuitry is mounted on a subchassis that is isolated by a suspension system designed to minimize microphonics. The dramatic casework features an attractive clear Lucite tube guard outside the chassis, allowing for easy access for tube replacement.

Conrad-Johnson has long appreciated that the full potential of any circuit can only be realized by using the finest available parts. Each part for the ACT2 has been selected on the basis of both sonic performance and durability. The audio circuit (including the level control) is executed entirely with precision metal foil resistors and Teflon and polystyrene capacitors. Tubes have been carefully hand selected for minimum noise and microphony. The DC regulated power supplies use the same quality resistors as the audio circuits. Capacitors for the power supplies are exclusively polypropylene, polystyrene, and Teflon – there are no electrolytic capacitors in the audio circuits or their related power supplies. Switching relays are sealed and have gold plated silver contacts. Input and output connectors are machined from oxygen free copper, and are gold plated.

The Con-Jon, ACT2 is built without compromise to achieve a new standard in musical performance not only for today, but for many tomorrows.

Specifications

• Gain:
21.5 db
• Maximum output:
10 vrms
• Output impedance:
under 500 ohms
• Distortion:
less than .1% THD
• Frequency response: at unity gain:
2 Hz to more than 10OKhz
• Hum and noise:
100 db below 1.0 v
• Tube complement:
4 x 6N30P
• Weight:
30 lbs.

We can emphatically say this among the finest preamps we've ever experienced. It shockingly great in what it DOESN'T do and thats color the music in any way. It is an amazingly accurate component and true piece of HiEnd equipment. In absolute flawless condition like it just came out of the plastic. Remote, factory box and oh, did I mention the matched quad of Mullard 6N30P tubes, WOW! Better move on this fast as I might keep it for myself. - BGR, HHA

Come to the new Andover shop for a twirl with this amazing Con-Jon Preamp or purchase with every confidence via this site. 

Conrad-Johnson ACT2 Full Featured Reference Preamp: $5,249.00 plus tax and shipping when applicable