the cj would be the one to get. one of most neutral cj pre's ever. the problem with the above mentioned dartzeel is twofold......long term service is a big question mark for the money spent, and the resale is tragic (check audiogon used)..... sonically the cj is warmer than the arc or the vtl......but not the blooming type of warmth associated with vintage cj.
CJ ACT 2 v. VTL 7.5 v. ARC Ref 3
I am thinking of moving to a replacement tube pre with remote. My current Wyetech Opal, which is awesome and which I love dearly, has no remote and back problems are now leading me to a pre with remote.
I have a CJ PF-R in BR system and like the "old" CJ sound -- to a point. Have not heard VTL 7.5, but have heard an ARC Ref 1 and it seemed a bit on the sterile side. Don't know Ref 3's "character"
Any comments on strengths/wealnesses among these 3?
System:
Krell 300cx amp
Dodson 218 DAC
CEC TL-1X transport with RAM mods
MAC MR80 tuner
Von Schweikert VR5 HSE spkrs
Valhalla, Elrod Statement and Sig PC's
Stealth Sextet Digicable
Valhalla, AQ SKY IC's
PAD Venustas spkr cables
Original Shunyata Hydra
Thanks for info. This will be a traumatic change.
Neal
I have a CJ PF-R in BR system and like the "old" CJ sound -- to a point. Have not heard VTL 7.5, but have heard an ARC Ref 1 and it seemed a bit on the sterile side. Don't know Ref 3's "character"
Any comments on strengths/wealnesses among these 3?
System:
Krell 300cx amp
Dodson 218 DAC
CEC TL-1X transport with RAM mods
MAC MR80 tuner
Von Schweikert VR5 HSE spkrs
Valhalla, Elrod Statement and Sig PC's
Stealth Sextet Digicable
Valhalla, AQ SKY IC's
PAD Venustas spkr cables
Original Shunyata Hydra
Thanks for info. This will be a traumatic change.
Neal