Production has begun on the conrad-johnson MET1 preamplifier. The MET1 is designed to be the control center of a music lover's multi-channel system. It is a 6-channel analog preamplifier. Simply connect to suitable amplification, speakers, and a disc player with 5.1 analog outputs (available on most better DVD players, all DVDA players and universal disc players) for a surround sound system for music and movie playback. Two sets of 6-channel inputs allow the use of a secondary multi-channel source such as satellite/cable TV.

This decidedly unconventional approach to multi-channel audio is the only path to achieving the same degree of musical accuracy that our traditional two-channel products are known for. "Good Enough Audio" is simply not good enough for dis-cerning music lovers (or for movie aficionados who care about experiencing and fully appreciating the nuanced expressiveness of the best actors and actresses, for that matter).

The MET1 brings conrad-johnson quality to multi-channel playback, and at the same time offers uncompromising reproduction of 2-channel recordings. In fact, enabling the MET1's ambience retrieval mode can enhance those recordings by judiciously extracting 5.1 channels from the original 2.

Despite the versatile functionality of the MET1, it is easy to install and simple to use. Connection and operation are much the same as for a familiar stereo preamplifier. No need for an intensive training course in use – our customers will already understand nearly all aspects of using the MET1.

Summarizing, the MET1:

• Is unique – a vacuum-tube multi-channel preamplifier with two sets of 6-channel inputs

• Will sound better than any processor/preamp – no analog to digital conversion takes place, and the signal path is direct rather than a labyrinth of ICs.

• Preserves the musical integrity of high-resolution DVDA and SACD discs – which are only played at full resolution through analog outputs of the players.

• Is easy to install and simple to use.

• Looks great.

Conrad-Johnson is pleased to announce two new reference quality tube power amplifiers. These closely related designs are the LP140M mono block 140-watt amplifier and the LP70S stereo amplifier (70 watts/channel).

The look-alike LP140M and LP70S share the same circuit architecture, featuring a single triode voltage amplifier direct-coupled to a cathode coupled phase inverter. As in previous conrad-johnson designs, output power is developed by a linearized-pentode (ultralinear) output stage comprised of two pair of 6550 output tubes for the mono-block amplifier and a single pair per channel for the stereo amplifier.

These amplifiers represent our declaration of the current state of the art in tube amplifier design. Accordingly, all component parts are the finest available, including the extensive use (for the first time in a tube amplifier) the new Teflon CJD capacitors used to such great effect in our ACT2 and Premier 17LS2 preamplifiers.

Both amplifiers can be ordered configured for 2, 4, 8, or 16-Ohm loads (the standard 4 Ohm setting is recommended for most applications). Production of these new amplifiers is planned to begin early this summer.