CJ vs. BAT vs. THOR preamps, who's best?


Hi.
Looking for some input as to which of the above's top of the line, past & present preamps provide the best overall flexibility, and sonically involving presentation? ...and have the best support. Likely one of these will be paired with at least a solid state amp... possibly a tube as well if I bi-amp. Currently using VR4 JR's and if these change it will be to a little more efficient set of loudspeakers, but likely as close to full range as is possible.

I lean towards the euphonic - romantic side of things sonically speaking. And, 'gasp!' a bit towards the darker side of neutral... with needs being, very good to great bottom end and natural earthy sounding mids - no extension in the high end arena really necessary, just sweet and balanced on the whole.

I've got the VK5i, heard the TA1000 mkII, and know little about the CJ end of things other than that they invert the signal during it's development and only the BAT can afford one the use of a balanced setup... gotta go single ended with the others.

...again, support & flexibility with different amps are almost as if not as important as the sonic signature, to me.

Thanks in advance...
blindjim
Well we've moved on now... for good or ill and for a time, the TA 1000 MK II is runing the show.

I do like the notion of the VAC blocks however. A lot... but i think I'm going to need a gun.

TA DA. The TA 1000 MK II is here, and it WORKS.

The subjective answer to this thread is forthcoming. I do admit from the begining of this thread to this time, some amount of learning has taken place.

What is "Best" has truly just one answer, and must be applied by the purchaser. Duifferent, better here or there in some respects? Those determinations are subjective as well... yet are more applicable. This 'inherent ambiguity' of decided levels in performance promotes interest and experience as its fallout.
Blindjim
What ever happened between you and the Thor? I read a review you did on it. What tubes did you prefer with it?