Conrad Johnson--does anyone use this brand anymore?


Does anyone have any opinions re Conrad Johnson Phono Pre amps?   
Versus other brands?

I currently have TEASE2---but need step up transformer for cartridge.

Thoughts---?

bluesnbike1954
Excellent great sounding gear.

I use a Premier 14 and Premier 11a in my main system and a Premier 15 series 2 phono in the second system
i can't afford it either, .  i did the hardest thing, I saved a tiny bit each week, every bill i would handle over a 10 spot would get put away, i did without, food, beer, fun many a night just to save that 20 bill, or 50 bucks. I saved for about 4, just under 5 years this way.

took me a long time of agony of saving, but in the end, when it was time to shop, and my purchases FINALLY showed up, it was a magical feeling.
I'm nowadays on the outside looking in but have had some CJ preamps from back a few years ago but their quality control killed CJ for me. Maybe just bad luck but Act2 out of box was dead on arrival and worse was a huge bolt of juice coupled with a very big pop when I first turned on a new Premier 350. Scared me to death about the speaker that took it but alas no damage. Back it went to service after the excitement of first listen was toast but never trusted it again. Have had tremendous good fortune with many other high end brands.
Finally I know all the CJ verbiage concerning no balanced circuits due to complexity and cost. IMO this has cost them big time. This factor that doesn't seem to hurt ARC among others. 
Finally I think CJ has made some great products to include the ART pre and Premier 16 just to name a few. However I'd be very concerned to buy in now from a company longevity standpoint. It's a real issue.