Can anyone tell me about the Proceed PAV good /bad

In that case, then by all means, your current preamp IS broken. You have to get a new one.

John, thank you for the second opinion lol. by the way what would you recommend around 700-800 used. I have been considering an AI M3 but I don't need a phono stage but L1s are hard to find. I also was considering going back to conrad johnson something like a PV10AL, or maybe an AR LS2.

You may be best with the AI L1, it sounds like what you need and want. Have you tried placing a 'Want Ad' here at the 'Gon? I've found some very odd, rare pieces that way. You'd be surprised how many response you may get. Have you heard the AR? It's quite different from the conrad johnson. the cj tends to be warmer and smoother, while the AR is less tubey sounding, more dynamic. I owned a LS 2 many years ago, I enjoyed it, however, if you like the smoothness of the cj, you may not like the sparkle of the AR. If I were in your shoes, I'd go for the AI L1. Place a wanted ad today, see what's out there. Good luck and happy fishing.

Regards,
John