C.J. PV-5 vs PV-10's 11's and 12's

Owned them all; the PV-12 is the best of the bunch and significantly better than a PV-5.

How does a PV9 and Premier 3 compare with these preamps?

Owned all with exception of the 11. The 10,10A and 10B models are good sounding, but the 12 is a bit better overall IMO. While the 5 is a classic and was great pre amp in it's day..... it is dated by comparison to the 12. The 12's noise floor is quieter and has better dynamics. I would look for a 12A which is an upgraded version of the 12 and incorporates some key changes for the better. It has become hard to find now however. I also owned CJ's SS PF-2 and PF-R models, and while the excellent PF-R is also good sounding, it is more forward and IMO a bit less musical than the tubed 12.

The PV-9 ranks below the PV-11 and PV-12 mainly because of the line stage. The phono section of the PV-9A is nearly identical to the latter two preamps. The Premier 3 is better than the PV-5 but not as good as the PV-9A, PV-11 or PV-12.

I have a PV-10 in one system and a PV-12 in another system. Although the PV-10 is good, the PV-12 is better.