Bad preamp choice?

I hope I didn't make a mistake. I recently purchased a CJ PV-10b Preamp. This pre is different from a PV-10a, as it uses the PV-12 linestage. So it should sound more like the 12 than 10. it's also the latest PV model. Anyway, I fell in love with the simple PV looks many years ago when seeing one at the local Audio Shop. I finally broke down and bought a minty one, thats currently in route to me. In the mean time, i'm reading the worst reviews i've ever seen from this forum? Can A CJ really sound that bad? Are these reveiws and comments just from elitist with $20,000.00 Preamps. Will it not sound better than than my old but once TOTL Yamaha c-80 pre? If I can't get a decent USED pre for 6 or 7 hundred than i'll pass, and go on to one of my other interests.