Seeking Suggestions on Preamp Upgrade (CJ, Aesthetix, EAR)

I settled up with a Lamm LL2.1 paired with a Pass Labs 30.5 and they paired beautifully and still have the combo in play. I went thru Lamm and they referred me to a couple of dealers since I didn't have one in Houston, wound up buying for less than $5,000.00 but not by much and was shipped to me direct from Lamm. Be glad to forward you the dealers name if interested. I did listen to three of your contenders in my system and the Lamm bettered them, the only real contender for me was the First Sound Presence preamp but the Lamm came in quite a bit cheaper. Good luck.

Hi, tooblue:  Thank you for your response.  My list contained LAMM originally but I read through the on-line information and found there were some discussions relate to LAMM's QC issue, which prompted me to drop it from the list.  Likely you have encountered them.  What is your taken?

I heard 2 aesthetix  preamp one is calypso, this are excellent unit, I will buy one, without thinking, if I can afford it, they are so neutral, and full sounding, and well made....