Back in the 80's and 90's Audio Research and Conrad Johnson

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe that ARC was acquired by a private equity firm some years ago.  Consequently, ARC may have more financial wherewithal to maintain/improve their market presence than does CJ.

As to their relative sonic merits, I've owned several pieces from ARC and generally liked the sound.  I have only auditioned CJ (long ago) and agree withe consensus here that it seemed a touch warmer.  However, I'm not at all sure that that delta equates to their relative market position today.

They are currently owned by Fine Sounds of Italy. Which also owns Mcintosh.

Both are still great companies making excellent products.
I like the fact that each companies' tubed pre-amp can be mated to a solid -state power amp to excellent results.

CJ recently moved to a different space in Fairfax VA, anyone know why ?

Keep me posted & Happy Listening!

i sold and delivered one of the first pairs of Prem 2 and 3 back in the day. They were VERY involving and the depth of image far exceeded ARC gear it replaced. I eventually owned a 3 and MV45-A with Quad ESL that was incredible sounding. I think CJ never had the dealer base that ARC did , they never embraced a balanced architecture, late to digital and DACs ( although the DAC they offered VERY musical. and the product aesthetic is a real hodgepoge...
IF I open a B and M shop CJ would be on my shortlist..IF it were not available at a discount on Amazon....

"CJ recently moved to a different space in Fairfax VA, anyone know why ?"

Smaller space.  Appears to be a budget cut.