I have not heard the Plinius combo. But I have had the AR LS-25 and the LS16 and now have the CJ 16LS MKII and in my system it out performed what the AR Pre-Amps would do. More bass, fuller mid range, and smooth highs. So you should have a shot at something good.
Plinius amp and Conrad-Johnson 16LS
I'm thinking about changing my system back to Plinius SA-100 amps (mono blocks) and maybe using a Conrad-Johnson 16LS pre-amp. Has anyone had any experience with these two together? The Plinius I'm trying right now has such great pace and slam but is lacking in the final warmth a tube pre-amp might add. The Aloia gear I've been using is all equal to the Plinius just not as much of everything. The warmth and lack of electronic sound of the Aloia is more pleasing to my ear, if I could have both...