I know you said "I may want to go with tubes still", but you can buy an Audio Research LS-3 (solid-state) for +/-$600-750 on A-Gon that I think is clearly a better preamp than the PV-10A and definitely not a lateral move.
For whatever it's worth, the LS-3 was Class A rated in Stereophile (they in fact preferred it to the $1k more expensive tube / solid-state hybrid LS-2). I have owned one for nine years and have it anchoring my second system, and can say categorically that it was not embarassed by the Jadis, CAT, Hovland and Rowland Coherence II preamps that have succeeded it in my systems. It has a "direct" input feature with a simplified signal path that provides ridiculously transparent performance for a preamp of its price, and is otherwise dynamic, neutral and extended.
I had a close friend who had a PV-10A, and it always sounded rolled off and a bit foggy (lacking in clarity) to me. He sold it in favor of a c-j PFR. The PFR is another option -- it is a respected solid-state preamp that would obviously mate well with your c-j amplifier (the PFR may be a few hundred $$$ above your budget, however).
If you really want to stick with tubes, the Audible Illusions L-1 or Sonic Frontiers Line 1 are both possibilities at that price point.
For whatever it's worth, the LS-3 was Class A rated in Stereophile (they in fact preferred it to the $1k more expensive tube / solid-state hybrid LS-2). I have owned one for nine years and have it anchoring my second system, and can say categorically that it was not embarassed by the Jadis, CAT, Hovland and Rowland Coherence II preamps that have succeeded it in my systems. It has a "direct" input feature with a simplified signal path that provides ridiculously transparent performance for a preamp of its price, and is otherwise dynamic, neutral and extended.
I had a close friend who had a PV-10A, and it always sounded rolled off and a bit foggy (lacking in clarity) to me. He sold it in favor of a c-j PFR. The PFR is another option -- it is a respected solid-state preamp that would obviously mate well with your c-j amplifier (the PFR may be a few hundred $$$ above your budget, however).
If you really want to stick with tubes, the Audible Illusions L-1 or Sonic Frontiers Line 1 are both possibilities at that price point.