Conrad Johnson TEA-1BC upgraded from Premier 15 Phono Preamp Excellent condition. Used 27 hours

I am the original and only owner of this TEA 1BC, upgraded in 4/2013,from a rarely used Premier 15, by Conrad Johnson's Head Technician,Jeff Fischel. To convert the Premier 15 to the sonically equivalent TEA-1BC, four significant design changes were made: 1) All the polystyrene capacitors, in both the audio and power lines, were replaced by the new C-J design Teflon film capacitors.Even, for the first time, multiple high gain 2.0 pico Farad capacitors, new in early 2013, were used to replace the high gain polystyrene capacitors in the Premier 15. (Model TEA-1B only has Teflon capacitors in the audio line, not in the power line.) 2) The resisters were all replaced by laser cut Vishay ultra high performance metal foil resistors. 3) The cathode follower tube buffer stage in the Premier 15 was replaced with the high current MOSFET used in the TEA-1BC, Two GK5 tubes were used to provide a cathode follower output stage for low source impedance. 4) Two special high gain 12AX7 tubes were used, running wide open, for maximal gain, permitting zero dB local feedback on all tubes.
Already Michael Fremer,-- in his review of the Conrad Johnson Premier 15 phono preamplifier- found that when he "replaced or bypassed every cheap capacitor in his Hafler DH 101 preamp with polystyrene and polypropylene capacitors", as are used in the Premier 15, he said that "the sonic transformation exceeded my most fervent expectations. The improvements in image focus, rhythmic certainty, tonal purity,bass authority -- you name it --.were astonishing." "Conrad Johnson Premier 15 phono preamplifier."(www.stereophile.com/phonopreamps/525/Michael Fremer) The four design changes, listed above, seem to have created an even greater quantum improvement from the Premier 15 conversion to the sonically equivalent TEA-1BC. John Acton "'Sonically, the TEA-1BC, like the Teflon capacitors in the ART Series 3 and LP amplifier series, is far more refined, resolving,neutral and extended. Low frequencies are far better defined and cleaner than in the Premier 15. In particular, the Teflon capacitors don't when pushed, exhibit that upper midrange harshness associated with the polystyrene caps""The TEA-1bc is capable of.......astonishing transparency from top to bottom of the musical spectrum." John Acton: The 5th Annual Positive Feedback Online's Writers/ Choice Awards - for 2008. (pf audio Positive Feedback on Line-issue 40) With all the upgrades, (done by Jeff Fishel), he said the only difference between the converted Premier 15 and the TEA-1BC was the "face plate".

.: Tube Specifications: 4 # 12AX7 Standard Gain: "JJ Electronics T-12AX7-S-JJ/ECC-88
2 # 12AX7 High Gain: JAN 12AX7WA Phillips ECG 8739 (NOS) 34167 USA AHP These two high gain tubes (upto 53 dBwere new, part of the upgrade, allowing both inputs to easily handle cartridges producing 0.5V or higher. If the buyer wishes to use a cartridge producing a lower voltage, then the C-J factory can install a wideband transformer to input number 1 converting the model to a TEA-1BT. These 2 tubes are not broken in, having been used for 27 hours. The other six tubes were not replaced by Jeff Fischel as he said "they measured fine, and probably had hundreds of hours of remaining good use." . Inside the chassis there is a dipswitch permitting four additional impedance settings to match different cartridges. The current and "standard" setting is 47K ,
2 # 6GK5: General Electronic Tube 6GK5/6EQ5A NN 188-5
All eight tubes were tested, calibrated, rebiased and balanced.
Unit: Size (WxDxH) 19.0, 15 3/4, 4 3/16 inches Weight: 23 lbs. Box: Size (WxDxH) 22 3/4, 21 3/4, 9 3/4 inches Weight 4.3 lbs. Shipping: FEDEX - to address matching the account Full Insurance; tracking number. Day after payment. Seller will pay all shipping costs within continental U.S. Further and International shipping/insurance costs to be paid by buyer. Returns within 30 days, after seller and buyer agree by telephone Buyer pays return shipping/insurance. For sellers "reputation" please see EBAY Protar 2.
Payments accepted: Certified,Cashier,Personal Check; Pay Pal add 3%.
Thank you for considering this item. Should you have any concerns please call me at 1-860-678-8176; or email [email protected]
Sincerely yours, Charles E.Poletti