Kniem,
I have the same amp (Aragon 4004 MKII). A local dealer here in Indy, Audio Solutions, was kind enough to loan me a few tubed preamps (a Cary 98 and a VTL 2.5) to see how they sounded in my system. I was using a solid state B&K Ref. 20. They're both very good tube preamps but to my ears the VTL mated best with my amp and speakers and I decided to buy one. In fairness, the Cary may not have been broken in but it also uses different tubes which will convey a different sound. Both preamps added a lot of details I had no idea I was missing, expanded the soundstage laterally and front to back and, best of all, made it seem more real,rounded and involving (especially on acoustic music). Adding a tubed preamp is the largest improvement in my system since I changed speakers. I wasn't able to audition the CJ preamps but, from what I've read, it may work as well as the VTL in giving that sense of warmth and 3 dimensionality. Good luck.
I have the same amp (Aragon 4004 MKII). A local dealer here in Indy, Audio Solutions, was kind enough to loan me a few tubed preamps (a Cary 98 and a VTL 2.5) to see how they sounded in my system. I was using a solid state B&K Ref. 20. They're both very good tube preamps but to my ears the VTL mated best with my amp and speakers and I decided to buy one. In fairness, the Cary may not have been broken in but it also uses different tubes which will convey a different sound. Both preamps added a lot of details I had no idea I was missing, expanded the soundstage laterally and front to back and, best of all, made it seem more real,rounded and involving (especially on acoustic music). Adding a tubed preamp is the largest improvement in my system since I changed speakers. I wasn't able to audition the CJ preamps but, from what I've read, it may work as well as the VTL in giving that sense of warmth and 3 dimensionality. Good luck.