Which preamp to buy?

VTL 2.5 or 5.5. Both are currently in production, VTL seems like it is going nowhere, and the two units sound very good. The 5.5 is a great piece and the successor to the great VTL Ultimate preamplifier.

For what its worth, I paired an earlier CJ preamp, the PV-10, with an Aragon 4004 SS amp about 10 years ago when I bought my present system, after hours of A/B tests with tube and SS amplification at the dealer. The Aragon amp is a lesser-powered derivative of the more famous 8008BB designed by a former Krell engineer. The combo drives B&W 801 Matrix speakers. The system performance jumped dramatically when I had the CJ subjected to a full standard mod including the highest quality passive parts, tubes and work on the power supply. Then I had the same thing done with the SS amp with further improvement. I haven't tested the modified preamp against any current CJ model which would cost much more than the total of my PV-10 plus mods, because I haven't felt the need to. In fact, on a cost/value basis, I began to wonder if a good audio technician could accomplish more for my system than swapping out older equipment for newer.

I really love my Audible Illusions Modulus 3A so much that I was thinking of buying their first; an AI M1 that just went up for sale. Whatever, an AI M3A is a step in the right direction. It takes much more bucko's after that.

I am using a Krell 2250 w/Thiel 3.5's and a VTL 5.5. The 5.5 is quite good w/excellent bass control. It has remote volume, mute, phase inversion, and HT bypass. I previously had a Krell KSL (I still have it) and I really like the detail, warmth and "creaminess" that the VTL has added. There is a used one at Upscale Audio. Of course, your source will also have some effect on this. Good luck. I think you are really on the right track.

If you can find a PSE HL1 it is much better than the VTL 5.5. You can usually buy for around $1,200 or so. Dean does and upgrade to this also which takes the HL1 to a league that only the top preamps can beat.