For $1500, almost all the vintage CJ PV series preamps are within reach. If you don't have a turntable, then any of the newer models PV10,'12, '14 and '15 have line stage only models.
The Premier series was a few more bucks. For that $1500 price, the Premier 2,3,10, and maybe the '14 (if you're lucky) fall within that range.
Which one is the best? I have heard a few and the older ones sound more "tubey". BUT, if you have Bill Thalman update one of the older ones, the sound gets closer to the more recent vintage.
That "tubey" effect that made your system sound great might only be found in the vintage items so you might want to concentrate on the older stuff.
CJ equipment is well thought of, if you don't like the sound of a unit you can usually sell it for a break even price (minus shipping) to the next person who is curious.
Happy Hunting
The Premier series was a few more bucks. For that $1500 price, the Premier 2,3,10, and maybe the '14 (if you're lucky) fall within that range.
Which one is the best? I have heard a few and the older ones sound more "tubey". BUT, if you have Bill Thalman update one of the older ones, the sound gets closer to the more recent vintage.
That "tubey" effect that made your system sound great might only be found in the vintage items so you might want to concentrate on the older stuff.
CJ equipment is well thought of, if you don't like the sound of a unit you can usually sell it for a break even price (minus shipping) to the next person who is curious.
Happy Hunting