Conrad Johnson--Best used Model

I had a PV-11 for several years.  It was a wonderful preamp, and had a wonderful MM phono stage.  I had C-J go over it and bring it up to original spec for $200(!).  Ultimately, I had to sell it because the balance control did not have enough range to deal with my room, source, and software channel imbalances (yes, I am obsessive about a well-centered soundstage).  Also, I wanted, and got, a preamp with a remote control.  But as far as sound quality goes, the PV-11 was a wonderful piece of kit. 

I can't comment on any of the recent offerings from CJ as I haven't listened in a familiar system but I HAVE been listening for the past year to a PV9a extensively upgraded including bypass caps, resistors, diodes and wire among other things by Bill Thalmann in Virginia. All of this made a quite excellent performer into quite possibly the most engaging preamplifier I have personally owned.  Only downside, too much line stage gain and limited in the use of medium to low output MC phono cartridges and no remote which I don't view as a necessity although a nice convenience.

Thoughts on a CJ CT-6 preamp anyone?

Gents;

I just listened to a CJ ET3, finally

I found the soundstaging, resolution and tone to be very good. The high end was pretty forward.
I expected more of the " warm side" and still had issues with the 2k-6k hz area on the 80"s type of music
I also compared to a ET5 with the Teflon stuff
I found the units very comparable, but the ET5 ( Teflon caps) 10-20 % smoother, less sibilant in the 2-5k hz range ( more organic?)

Overall the CJ stuff is very comparable to ARC items, but CJ was 10-15% warmer in tone and better in soundstaging.

So: The question 

If I buy a PV-17 vs ET3 will I get more of the " warm" tone and less forward/ sibilance in the 2-5k hz range?  ( i.e. Metal dome tule of edge)

Or are they still " of the family" 

I love the resolution & soundstage but need more warmth & less brilliant in the high end

more confused than ever

ps: I listened to all CJ system and VandersteenTreos

@frozentundra Did you listen to the cj gear through Treos or Treo CT?  I ask because the tweeter in the regular Treo is said by many to be brighter than the carbon tweeter in the CT model.