Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Delivers 300W per channel, thanks to two pairs of KT150 output tubes in each chassis
- Offers a 'clear as day window into the music and soundstage' with astonishing transparency
- Has a low end that 'belies its tube lineage and significantly betters any previous conrad-johnson amplifier by a sizeable margin'
- Conveys music with 'sublime grace and charm'
- Has an extraordinary ability to change dynamic levels with ease
Product Considerations
- Requires around thirty to sixty minutes to reach their full potential
- Runs a little hotter than the original ART amplifiers
- Those obsessed by the beat, to the exclusion of equipment that doesn't emphasise the rhythmic aspects of a performance, might find the ART300's sound beguiling—but possibly too cerebral
- The rhythm of a piece of music is well played, but it isn't front and center of the music unless rhythm is front and center of the recording
Takeaway: The ART300 is a powerhouse amplifier that delivers both power and grace and brings out the best in music. It offers a clear and detailed soundstage, with a remarkable low end, and makes music sound effortless.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
ART300
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Power: 300 Watts rms from 30 Hz to 15 KHz at no more than 1.5 % THD into 4 ohms
- Sensitivity: 1.0V rms to rated power
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +/- .25 dB (at 10 watts)
- Hum and Noise: 108 dB below rated power
- Input Impedance: 100 kOhms
- Tube Complement: 2 x 6922, 4 x KT150
- Dimensions: 16.3125D x 19W x 8.75H inches
- Weight: 73 lbs
Description
In celebration of our 40th anniversary, conrad-johnson has introduced two new ART amplifiers: the ART150 stereo amplifier and ART300 mono-block amplifier. These amplifiers are designed for our own reference use as well as for industry professionals and dedicated audiophiles. As with previous anniversary products, these amplifiers will be offered as limited editions, with just 250 units of the ART150 and 125 pairs of the ART300 to be sold through selected conrad-johnson dealers and distributors.
In celebration of our 40th anniversary, conrad-johnson has introduced two new ART amplifiers: the ART150 stereo amplifier and ART300 mono-block amplifier. The ART150 and ART300 amplifiers embrace our firm belief that the surest path to both state-of-the-art musicality and exceptional reliability is to keep the circuits simple and build them with the finest available parts.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Conrad-Johnson consistently prioritizes musicality and a natural, engaging sound signature over clinical accuracy, aiming to draw listeners into the emotional core of the music.
- They use simple circuit designs with minimal feedback and carefully selected high-quality components, such as proprietary Teflon capacitors and Vishay resistors, to achieve exceptional sonic purity.
- Conrad-Johnson products are built to last, with a robust construction, readily available replacement tubes, and a reputation for long-term reliability, making them lasting investments.
- The brand caters to both high-power and high-grace preferences by offering both high-wattage push-pull designs and lower-wattage Class A triode amplifiers.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Conrad-Johnson Classic 62 and Classic 120
- Positioning: The entry-level high-fidelity tube amplifiers in the Conrad-Johnson lineup.
- Description: Offers a warm and engaging sound, featuring a simple circuit design with EL34 tubes that provide 60 watts per channel, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. In comparison, the Classic 120 doubles the power output with additional tubes, offering 125 watts per channel, which is better suited for larger spaces or more demanding speakers. Both models include built-in bias indicators for tube adjustments, making them accessible for those new to tube amplifiers.
ART150 and ART300 Amplifiers
- Positioning: Limited edition amplifiers designed for audiophiles seeking high-end performance, celebrating Conrad-Johnson's 40th anniversary.
- Description: The ART150 uses KT150 tubes to deliver 150 watts per channel, suitable for those who desire a powerful yet refined sound. The ART300, as a mono-block amplifier, doubles the power output to 300 watts.
ART27A and ART108A Amplifiers
- Positioning: Reference-level amplifiers, crafted for the most discerning audiophiles with limited production numbers.
- Description: The ART27A uses KT88 tubes in a Class A triode configuration to produce 36 watts per channel, perfect for highly efficient speaker systems in intimate settings. The ART108A, with its 160 watts per channel output, is designed for larger rooms or less efficient speakers.
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Avg. Product Price
$40,001-$75,000
Used For Sale
91
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
76
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
23
Founding Year
1977
Our take on the brand
Conrad-Johnson is a hifi brand known for tube amplifiers that create emotionally engaging experiences through their use of KT120 output tubes, CJD Teflon capacitors, and proprietary wide-bandwidth output transformers. Their preamps, like the PV11 and GAT Series 2, stand out for their lack of negative feedback and use of Teflon capacitors with gold-plated silver contacts, contributing to their ability to follow subtle tempo changes and deliver refined sound.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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From our interview with
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Brand Page
Used
conrad-johnson
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Audio Research
Reference 330M
90000
90000
/
2
Reviews
Audio Research is a hifi brand that has stayed committed to tube technology while many competitors moved to solid-state designs. The brand is known for its use of KT150 power beam tetrodes and hybrid power supply designs that blend tube amplification with solid-state regulation.
Expand Details
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Product Strengths
- Fully balanced design, handcrafted in the USA
- Employs a sextet of KT170 valves, ECC83, and 6H30, with hand-selected and matched valves
- Features Audio Research's 'Auto-Bias' circuitry and an internal hour meter for monitoring valve usage
- Aesthetically elegant design with unique 'Ghost Meters' which are LED-illuminated and can be dimmed or switched off
- Capable of delivering high power at low frequencies, controlling and driving speakers like a big solid-state amplifier
Product Considerations
- High price point
- Requires a 20A IEC cable (supplied)
- The bass control and sheer bass output of the Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO (solid state) could not quite be matched by the Reference 330M
- The unit use a variable speed fan, although it was essentially silent during testing, this may still present a point of concern for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO: The Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO (solid state) has slightly better bass control and output
Takeaway: The Audio Research Reference 330M is an intelligently engineered and beautifully styled amplifier that embodies the meaning of 'Reference' in sound quality. Its powerful valve design delivers excellent performance and is sure to be a conversation piece in any high-end audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audio Research is a hifi brand that has stayed committed to tube technology while many competitors moved to solid-state designs. The brand is known for its use of KT150 power beam tetrodes and hybrid power supply designs that blend tube amplification with solid-state regulation.
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Product Page
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