Now that there is a CJ ART II

Hello, yes indeed there is! I own a 16LS myself, and I have spoken with Knut at CJ. The upgrade will involve a rebuild much like the one done to the original ART. Knut told me that the upgrade will make the 16LS the sonic egual of the original ART. CJ will not begin to offer the upgrade for awhile, at least not until most of the original ART's have been upgraded (probably the end of the year). The cost for the 16LS upgrade has not yet been established. I love my current 16LS. While there are many superb preamps out there, this one has been the most musically satisfying. I plan to upgrade my unit when that option becomes available. Happy Listening!

I sent my 16LS back to CJ and they did indeed upgrade it to Series II. The upgrade consisted of faster diodes in the power supply, a better grade of internal wire, and I believe a better grade of capacitor (outside of the signal path). They also included a brand new set of tubes as well as an improved power cord. I also had them change the output connectors and CD inputs to the WBTs used in the ART II. The series II upgrade cost $500.00, but I paid extra for the WBTs (about $750.00 total). Sonically, the unit is quieter, the soundstage is wider, and the bass is tighter and better defined. I am extremely pleased with the upgrade, and the attention and service I received from Knut and Tor was impeccable. The workmanship was first rate, and the turn around time was less than a week. I highly recommend this upgrade for 16LS owners. Happy Listening!