C-J PREMIER 17 LS SERIE 2 VS 16 LS SERIE 2

IMO, the 16ls is a much better (sounding) preamp than the 17ls. If you want sweetness and prefer the "warm side of netural," find a 16ls Series 1; you will likely prefer it to the Series 2.

Absolutely - a Premier 16LS, series 1 or 2 will be a substantial upgrade. I lived with a 16LS series 1 for several years and used it with both Premier 12 mono-blocks and with the C-J Premier 140. The only thing that caused it to leave my system was the ACT2. Compared to the 17, the 16 offers better nuance, detailing, dimensionality, and low-end articulation. Previously I have described it as a preamp with soul.

The 16LS (1 or 2) goes farther toward timbrel neutrality than the 17. When you ask if will the you lose the relative sweetness of the 17, my experience says the 16 will give you a better idea of what the actual music sounds like. If the music is sweet, the 16LS will let that come through. It adds less artificial coloration than the 17. That said, the 16LS (either 1 or 2) remains on the yin side of neutral. Compared to, for example, the ART or ACT2, you realize the 16 is tonally slightly darker/warmer.

I had the opportunity to buy a brand new 17 at a *very* attractive price. It is a wonderful preamp. But I held out until I could afford a 16. In no way am I knocking the 17. But in today's used market the price differential makes a compelling case for the 16.

The Premier 16LS loves good NOS tubes. I had luck with mid-60's to early 70's Amperex 6DJ8s and 7308s as well as Valvo branded Amperexes (Amperexi?). Telefunkens work well too. Siemens are fine, but my ears were never satisfied with more than one Siemens per channel; two or three were a bit too lean and upward tilted.

In your 12s try the Sylvania 6CG7 or RCA clear top 6FQ7 phase splitters in conjunction with a GE or RCA triple mica 5751. The small tubes can make as much difference as the power tubes. I preferred the GE6550A power tubes with which the amp was originally voiced, versus say the Svet 6550C (which do sound better in the 140).

Cheers,
Tim

Go with a ct-5 or act since you seem to have the money. With all the rest of your component, why stop to an old 16 technology when you can have the best of the best, Put your money where your mouth is. If it was me, I would go with an act without hesitation. With already Dirondo, Cabasse and Jadis in your chain (wow), this is the only logical choice you MUST go for. Believe me, dont waste your money on a 16 and buy the best money can offert. You will have no regret and thank me for ever.