Opportunity to buy the best Preamp... but which?

Downunder, what is the rest of your system comprised of ? Cables ? CJ seems to be floundering lately...website is not updated, new products come and go in the blink of an eye or they never materialize at all. Balanced connections need not apply as well....value has gone out the window on top of all this. The ART 3 is obviously in response to a failed series of ACT product (1, 2, 3..your out!). ARC is hitting their stride lately and after buying the ref 3 and the hd220 I can understand why. At one time CJ was the new kid on the block, so isn't it ironic that ARC seems to be besting them in design and pricing.

Dave_b, click on Shane's (Downunder) 'System' link, right next to his moniker, to find out what the rest of his system is.
I also own a ARC Ref 3, but there is no need to belittle the CJ ART preamp. There are many different flavors for many different tastes. Enjoy what you have and be happy.

Cheers,
John

Yeah, I have great respect for CJ..owned a bit and loved it! I just get the sense that the company is loosing it's focus.

How about the TRON Syren?

Charlie

Hi Dave

I agree with you re the cj ACT2. I had it at home and it did not do it for me. Same with the CT5. hence me going back to the ART, which is musically wonderful. I guess that is why its s/h value is more than the ACT2.
I don't think having 3 versions of a pre amp in 10 years is excessive - do you??
ARC have gone thru triple that with the ref pre.
I have heard the PH7 and it is a honey.

That is the great thing about audio, they are so many different routes to personal music satisfaction.