ConradJohnson--Can their vintage compete with new?

Thanks to those who responded; you have provided good information and sensible alternatives....To Dwr, I had Bob Backert modify my CJ-PV-8 for a lower noise floor, there was some improvement, but not necessarily revelation. Though in retrospect, it did bring something extra to the sound--- tonal color and harmonics were fuller or richer. Bob was working for Danby Stereo in Ardmore, Pa.and that was at least 15 years ago....Dwr, Could you tell me approx. how much those mods and upgrades cost for the PV-14L ??. Some members also mentioned other and "earlier" CJ pieces which are interesting. The question is are the newer vintage pieces qualitatively better than older ones, and therefore a better bet to modify and improve??

I think you know... I hope. Conrad Johnson will upgrade a PV-14L to a PV-14LS2.

Vinkim, your comment makes me wonder whether I heard the CJ integrated with either poorly matched gear or poorly matched tubes. I'm very pleased to hear that piece is working out so well for you.
Art

Sunnyjim, I emailed you the cost and explanation of the mods I had RHB perform on the preamp.

Gslone. I did not know CJ modded their older pieces. Thank you for update. Jim