C-J confusion.

The ART3 is absolutely the best and most expensive cj pre amp. 25k v 16k.

Buy a s/h ART 1 or 2 if you can find one - they sound superb and much better than the ACT2.

I read that the original ART had tube rush issues.

I personally like the ACT 2 a lot although I haven't heard an ART I or II. Plus, ACT 2 only has four tubes to maintain vs. 10 on the ART series. There are quite a few ACT 2 used at good price in Audiogon.