replace c-j prem16 mk2.

I replaced a C-J LS16 MKII with a Placette Passive Linestage and got better openess and transparency. I was able to listen to music at lower volumes with better musical involvement.

The bass was excellent with both but maybe a bit more defined with the Placette. The sound did not brighten up so much as clean up as if I was looking out of a screen door and then replaced the screen with clean glass. I couldn't get the C-J to do proper dynamics and couldn't get past a slightly veiled sound that never allowed me to relax or excite into the music. I found myself always turning up the volume with the C-J just to get closer to the music.

I have to say I did love the remote volume control of the C-J but just had to use it too damn much. The Placette has a good remote but at 1/5 the cost it can't be as solid, etc. Both units' remotes were extremely precise, though. Also, I never did figure out how to read the Placette "volume lights".

No, seriously, how do they work? It seemed to be some sort of exponential math equation and as a dyslexic math idiot I could not get a handle on it. Maybe you could just explain it up to the halfway "red" light point and then just beat me half to death?