Now that there is a CJ ART II

Nex_wave: Sonically, the 16LS and 17LS are very similar (that is, they both have the classic CJ family sound). The most distinguishing characteristic is the dimension of the soundstage, which is very different between the two. I own a 17LS and auditioned both of them for a while before I decided. While there's no question the 16 is the better preamp, the 17 seemed to be (for me) a much better value. Also, knowing the rather smallish room I was putting it into, there is little chance that I would realize the full potential of the 16.

Folks with the 16 almost universally love it, and I can certainly say that I love my 17. There's a big price difference between the two, so you have to let your ears and your wallet decide which you’d rather have. Really, you can't go wrong either way.

So...has anyone heard if there's going to be a 17LS II?

Cheers,
Ken

Abe: I spent a bit of time auditioning both the Premier 14 and the 16LS just before the 17LS was introduced. Relatively, there is nothing comparable about the 14 and 16 – in every capacity the 16LS is superior. However, I wasn’t prepared for the high price of the 16, so I decided to put my purchase on hold wait for the 17 to see how it faired. Fortunately for my wallet, the 17 was a perfect fit both in sound and price, and I ended up giving one a nice home.

Sonically, the 17 is very much in league with the 16 and doesn't really resemble the 14 at all. It still has the classic CJ sound - warm and smooth with a big soundstage - but seems to be much livelier and quicker than its predecessor. I haven't noticed any roll-off in the highs, but I certainly wouldn't call it a 'bright' preamp. Like most CJ equipment, it aims for a smooth, warm, and relaxed sound which might make it, and the 14, feel a bit rolled at the top. It is a tad bit slower than some of the tube preamps I've listened to (the ARC LS25 comes to mind), but it has a certain presence and soundstage that is hard to beat and is equally hard to find in other preamps.

The 17 is truly a mini version of the 16LS and as such does an admirable job. For the price, its a quantum leap ahead of the 14 and is very much worth listening to if you like the CJ sound.

Cheers,
Ken