My first TUbe PRe was a CJ PV-10AL.
SInce you said you are looking for something that is more transparent, I would have to suggest that you NOT buy a CJ-PV10 model. They sound ravishing, but transparent is not a word I would use to describe them.
Maybe a PV-11/12/14, but still, the CJ house sound is still a tad on the warm side.
What about a Passive Pre/assuming your source can push?
Also, consider the Adcom unit (yeah, I know, Audiophile bias) that is/was a recommended component in S'phile. I've actually heard it, and it is clean and clear, and is switchable between active and passive.
True, the Audible Illusions PRe is probably EXACTLY the sound that you'd like, but see threads re: dealing with repairs/parts etc. SLOOOOOOW.
I use Rogue. I like Rogue, but I think the 99 is a big step up from the 66, and the 99 is out of your range.
MY suggestion is to consider further UPGRADES TO YOUR CARY PIECE.
HOWEVER))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
IT sounds to me (I've been there more times than I'll admit) like you're absolutely jonzeing for an upgrade.
THis shit is addictive, no doubt about it.
But you could probably keep what you've got, change some tubes or power cords or cables, OR MAYBE JUST CLEAN THE CONNECTIONS REALLY WELL, and get a HUGE reward.
But then again, it sure does feel good dropping some $$$ on a new toy.
Good luck!!!
SInce you said you are looking for something that is more transparent, I would have to suggest that you NOT buy a CJ-PV10 model. They sound ravishing, but transparent is not a word I would use to describe them.
Maybe a PV-11/12/14, but still, the CJ house sound is still a tad on the warm side.
What about a Passive Pre/assuming your source can push?
Also, consider the Adcom unit (yeah, I know, Audiophile bias) that is/was a recommended component in S'phile. I've actually heard it, and it is clean and clear, and is switchable between active and passive.
True, the Audible Illusions PRe is probably EXACTLY the sound that you'd like, but see threads re: dealing with repairs/parts etc. SLOOOOOOW.
I use Rogue. I like Rogue, but I think the 99 is a big step up from the 66, and the 99 is out of your range.
MY suggestion is to consider further UPGRADES TO YOUR CARY PIECE.
HOWEVER))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
IT sounds to me (I've been there more times than I'll admit) like you're absolutely jonzeing for an upgrade.
THis shit is addictive, no doubt about it.
But you could probably keep what you've got, change some tubes or power cords or cables, OR MAYBE JUST CLEAN THE CONNECTIONS REALLY WELL, and get a HUGE reward.
But then again, it sure does feel good dropping some $$$ on a new toy.
Good luck!!!