Which Conrad Johnson pre is a step-up from PFR?

Well I started my journey with the PV10al and did not stop until I arrived at the premier 16lsII. It is simply an amazing pre-amp and yes I have heard a few through the years. As for your situation I would recommend the premier 14 (old school) and depending on your funds the 17lsI or if you can find one and it is within your budget the 16lsII.Good luck and enjoy the music.

Chuck

I've owned a PV-12, a PFR, and a Premier 17LS. If you don't care for the newer, more analytical CJ sound -- I didn't -- you won't like the Premier 17LS, which has a reticent and recessed sound.

The PV-12L, from the mid-90s CJ line, is marvelously clear and yet warm and friendly. I stupidly sold mine recently. They're a bargain at their current market prices. I'll probably buy another. I did have a PV-12AL, btw, and liked the older version (non-A version) better.

The PF-R had a pure and dynamic presentation but was insufficiently sensitive at the lower ranges of volume control; it didn't sound good until about 1/4 volume, which was *much* too loud for our living room. Also, though its sound was generally clean and inoffensive. it occasionally exhibited a sort of shoutiness, a bit of excessive forwardness or brightness that became slightly fatiguing.

A vote for the Premier 14. I've had mine since 1996 and love it. Used ones are going for ~$1500 here and, IMO, would be hard to beat at anything near the price. Seven sets of inputs, two sets of outputs, a terrific remote, and really great sound. Uses 4 cheap, reliable 6GK5 tubes -- just bought a quad for $12 on Ebay. Good luck, Dave

Another vote for Premier 14, simply a great sounding preamp.

to URU975 which Mac preamp did you hear against your CJ ??