conrad johnson v. aragon amp

I owned a PV10 and it wasn't all that warm - less than some other offerings from CJ like the PV12 anyway. I would get a PV12 in your case. Also, the MF2100 amp will be more relaxed sounding but won't lack detail compared to the 4004 (although I heard them in different systems...). If you are worried about having a "cool and lean" system, I would go for a CJ pair. Good luck! Arthur

Aragon Aurum preamp would also mate nicely with the 4004, great deal used.

Kniem,
I have the same amp (Aragon 4004 MKII). A local dealer here in Indy, Audio Solutions, was kind enough to loan me a few tubed preamps (a Cary 98 and a VTL 2.5) to see how they sounded in my system. I was using a solid state B&K Ref. 20. They're both very good tube preamps but to my ears the VTL mated best with my amp and speakers and I decided to buy one. In fairness, the Cary may not have been broken in but it also uses different tubes which will convey a different sound. Both preamps added a lot of details I had no idea I was missing, expanded the soundstage laterally and front to back and, best of all, made it seem more real,rounded and involving (especially on acoustic music). Adding a tubed preamp is the largest improvement in my system since I changed speakers. I wasn't able to audition the CJ preamps but, from what I've read, it may work as well as the VTL in giving that sense of warmth and 3 dimensionality. Good luck.

Gammajo,

Does the Aurum have a phono stage, or was it an option?

Thanks