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

HI Larry
I would hope the cj ART3 at $25k would bring something unique to the musical equation that the original ART or REF3 don't currently bring :-)

Hi Downunder, there are at least 5 other tube preamps I can think of that will do that. If I think about it, I can probably name more. Any reason why you limit yourself to the CJ?

I am not sure what your point is Atmasphere.
I can think of plenty of tube pre amps as well. I have tried VTL7.5, ARC ref 1 & 2, CAT, cary 98P and new cj ACT2 / CT5.

I much prefer the musical presentation of the original ART/prem16. That is why I have come back to cj pre amp after 3 years of not limiting myself to cj.

Dave b, excuse my long delay but I only just read your responses. Have you heard the FM Acoustic pre's or the Essential 3150 and, if so, which FM Acoustic pre's and what were your impressions of these and the Essential - particularly in comparison with your tubes pre?

I'm just curious because I feel that these really do bring something quite unique to the table.

Dgob, the 268 was impressive but expensive and not better than the ref 3..tubes still complete the picture better for me. Funny, FM stuff is rarely mentioned in high end circles ?