The CJ tube preamps are very nice and I have owned a few as well as some of their amps, very nice sound, great engineering, and quality construction. But Dwr, I am seriously considering buying the Audio Research SP16 with phono myself based on what I have heard and read. One reviewer states the SP16's soundstage and depth are impressive and you won't find a better valued preamp in the $2000-$2500 price range. But more than that I have yet to read any negative feedback on the SP16. Nice looking unit as well!
Advice on possible preamp upgrade
I currently use a CJ PV-14L as my 2 channel preamp and am looking for advice and opinions as to whether it is a worth while change to go to another preamp with a budget limit of 2K. I am looking at either an Audio Research SP-16 or 17, or a Cary SLP-03. My system is a combo 2 channel, H/T system so I need a preamp with a H/T bypass. I use a Jolida JD-1000P as my amp and Geddes Abbey 12A speakers. I do not need the preamp to have a phono so a linestage is fine, but if someone has a suggestion in my price range that includes a phono section that is fine. I am not unhappy with the CJ preamp I am just wondering if I can do any better with something in the 2K and under range, if not I will stay with the CJ. I prefer tube preamps but if someone has a suggestion for a SS unit I will consider that also.