What preamps equal to or better than CJ ACT II

CAT< IMHO for the money cannot be touched, and much more dynamic than any CJ and not too soft ...phono section was better than audio research phono ref!!!if you get older version you can tube roll and make it really sing!!!

CAT SL-1 IMHO for the money cannot be touched, and much more dynamic than any CJ and not too soft sounding...phono section was better than audio research phono ref!!!if you get older version you can tube roll and make it really sing!!! the Ultimate is less tube rolling friendly...bass is also unbeatable...

Have any one of you heard the Canary CA-903?
A four chassis preamplifier.

The new Lamm LL1 Signature, a dual mono 4 box system is a remarkable preamp (even without a remote control).

Einstein is worth considering. Superb dynamic, bass weight, top extension, and silky mid/top. Best part is you can put different tubes in different input to tailor the source!

ARC Ref 3 is very system dependent, bass can sound weak and cast a greyish tone on all notes.