tube amp help CJ,VAC, or VTL

I too upgraded from an Adcom to a CJ Premier 11 and what a difference! Sonically there is no comparison,I love tubes, although you do lose some bass punch.Another factor to consider is the type of music you listen to.I listen to mostly jazz and blues but sometimes listen to hard rock and the amp does not seem to perform as well with rock music.Biasing the tubes sometimes becomes a pain but is only a minor problem.I use my amp with a CJ amp with a CJ Premier 16LS preamp and Thiel 2.3 speakers.I would highly recommend the CJ 11A.Good luck and happy listening!!!Any questions feel free to mail me.

I am a big proponent of Audio Research although not familiar with VTL, I am familiar with the other two and both are "too tubey" ARC in my estimation combines the best of both solid state and tubes that is to say the transient attacks are quick like solid state and the presence is there like tubes but not so atmospheric like the CJ stuff. Check out to see for yourself, it is always a matter of taste. ARC gear is to my ears among the best of ALL gear, you can't go wrong and it holds its value.

Listen for yourself and decide. In my estimation you will not get better "sound" and build quality for the money than Conrad Johnson can provide. I adore my Premier 11a in all aspects. I upgraded from a Hafler 500 and feel that it was a "big" improvement. If you can compare tube amps in your area, do so. I have never heard VAC, but understand it is great gear. So listen to all of the makers if you can. My premier 11a drives my Martin Logan ReQuests to fairly loud levels with no problems. Happy listening!