Need Tube Preamp Warmth

Lowrider based on your system and the fact that you don't list a phono stage as being required but don't list the phono stage you are currently using the question would be do you require a pre-amp with a phono stage? Of course if looking for a line stage only I would DEFINITELY consider the Premier 16 over the 14. It's topography is similar to the ART which is considered by many CJ afficionados as their best effort. While I've heard the GAT pre and ART amps in an unfamiliar system I certainly can't comment in any meaningful way that would help you in determining when CJ went to a more "neutral" presentation. To me it was unmistakable CJ sound having owned both a PV7 and PV5 back in the 80's and listening to CJ based systems over the years.

To my ears, CJ has an unmistakable house sound. While they may have followed the road of "neutrality" (whatever it means depending on who you talk to) over the years, the sound is CJ, more detailed and less opaque than their vintage products. My recommendation to possibly consider vintage would be if you require a phono stage and could get the right unit with sufficient power supply which would make it viable option based on my recent experience and having listened to numerous pre-amps in my system and a willingness but reluctance to pay up to 6K new/used to get what I was looking for.

If you require a LS only and want to retain the characteristics of the CJ sound from the 80's - early 90's but improved detail, the Premier 16 should be an excellent choice. Since YOU mentioned CJ at the outset and listen to acoustic/orchestral music I think it would be the safest choice but stay with the Premier line with the bigger power supplies, THIS makes all the difference in the long run for BIG music IME. It's better to go used for a better preamp with greater potential than entry level new or slightly used in your budget range.

Lowrider I have owned a CJ premier 14 for many years, it is currently playing backup to my Dehavilland ultra verve. The UV is slightly more revealing than the 14, just how much depends on the 6SN7 signal tube used. The CJ with Mullard tubes has a more refined sound than the UV and not quite as "open" sounding through the upper regions. It also gives a row M feel and the UV makes you feels like you are closer to the stage. The midrange on both are good, the CJ as I mentioned shows slightly more refinement and is more round and dense in this region. Dense in a good way. I do not like the GE 6gk7's that CJ supplies, much different sound than the Mullards.

I like both preamps and use the both. The CJ has always matched nicely with my Thiels which need a little help in the mid region. Good luck with your choice.

Since YOU mentioned CJ at the outset and listen to acoustic/orchestral music I think it would be the safest choice but stay with the Premier line with the bigger power supplies, THIS makes all the difference in the long run for BIG music IME. It's better to go used for a better preamp with greater potential than entry level new or slightly used in your budget range.

Tubegroover; thank you, this advice really helps. I'm looking for details such as which line has the larger power supplies. And yes, I'm looking at mid-level preamps (not entry level), and I'm finding my budget of $2500 is in the ballpark.
Thanks.

@ Pops...
Thanks for your input and your impression of the UV, I was trying to find a user review. I'll keep searching for a Premier line and BTW, listening in Row M is ideal for me.

The Emotive Audio Sira is a seriously good preamp, and the one listed on Audiogon has the V-Cap upgrade which puts it above any of the Siras described in the reviews.

Shindo Aurieges.