Pre-amp suggestions

I brought home the CJ 14 to demo some time ago. I thought it was pretty poor sonic-wise and wasn't impressed with it's build quality either.

To be nice, I thought it's presentation was quite subdued to say the very least.

My guess is the concerns you mention above are valid.

-IMO

If you are not into phono, get a used Audible Illusions L-1 preamp. It really settles the sound through ss amps. Very open and transparent without a lot of tube tubiness. If anything, you'll gain openness and transparency. I don't think you will lose the bottom end at all.
If you are into phono, go with the M3A. These pre's offer excellence for the money. You can pick up an L1 for about $650-700 used. It originally sold for $2195. I used it with my McCormack's and now use it with my big Theta. I would buy another preamp but I honestly can't see why. The Audible is that good. I have tried it against a lot of others and I've stayed with it.

The CJ PV-10 is fine. Other choices not mentioned above might be an Anthem Pre1, Pre1L, or Pre2L if you want tubes, or a CJ solid state. You won't lose any bass or air with the Anthems. Very extended frequency response, very dynamic, very nice. Same with the CJ solid state. The PV-10 is a little warmer and softer. I had an AI M3a, and sold it because (1) I liked the Anthem Pre2L better (2) tubes don't last as long in the AI, and (3) the as tested output impedance of the AI was close to 2kohms, which could lead to a low bass roll-off with amps with low input impedance (one of mine has 10kohm input impedance).

Paul

Stenho

Must have been something wrong with it or poor system matching.

Chuck

If you are concerned about "bass punch" you might want to reconsider the PV-10. It will "smooth out the top end".