2. amps-preamps
  3. 1279464565

Advice on possible preamp upgrade

I currently use a CJ PV-14L as my 2 channel preamp and am looking for advice and opinions as to whether it is a worth while change to go to another preamp with a budget limit of 2K. I am looking at either an Audio Research SP-16 or 17, or a Cary SLP-03. My system is a combo 2 channel, H/T system so I need a preamp with a H/T bypass. I use a Jolida JD-1000P as my amp and Geddes Abbey 12A speakers. I do not need the preamp to have a phono so a linestage is fine, but if someone has a suggestion in my price range that includes a phono section that is fine. I am not unhappy with the CJ preamp I am just wondering if I can do any better with something in the 2K and under range, if not I will stay with the CJ. I prefer tube preamps but if someone has a suggestion for a SS unit I will consider that also.
dwr
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
If you are deciding to stick with the cj, then contact Bob Backert at http://www.rhbsounddezign.com/ and talk with him about what he can do to enhance the musicality of your cj preamp. Bob has a lot of experience modifying cj gear with his own proprietary modifications that will have your cj making music, well beyond what you have experienced. Bob is the real deal. He has done great work on my cj PV-12L. He can do so for you too.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Hifiman5 excellant suggestion as well !!!
dwr OP
113 posts
 
Thanks Hifiman I will certainly check into that.
phd
1,307 posts
 
The CJ tube preamps are very nice and I have owned a few as well as some of their amps, very nice sound, great engineering, and quality construction. But Dwr, I am seriously considering buying the Audio Research SP16 with phono myself based on what I have heard and read. One reviewer states the SP16's soundstage and depth are impressive and you won't find a better valued preamp in the $2000-$2500 price range. But more than that I have yet to read any negative feedback on the SP16. Nice looking unit as well!
willieaspen
20 posts
 
Take a look at the Cary SLP-2002. I have it and the PV-14 right now. I enjoy the sound of both preamps and they offer around 20db of gain (the PV-14 has 22db).

The CJ has the better volume control and remote. It also only uses 2 tubes. The Cary adds balanced operation, a balanced (and unbalanced) HT bypass that works even when the preamp is off, and a nice headphone amp.

The Cary uses 6922 input tubes and 5814 (12AU7s) as cathode followers. It can be modified by the factory for lower gain with 6CG7s instead of the 6922s. I'm looking at that since I can barely turn up the volume.

Also, the C-J inverts phase through the linestage, but does not do so for the cinema bypass. The Cary does not invert phase either way, if that matters to you.

Anyways, sound and $$$-wise, a lateral move. It's just a matter of what is important to you.

Jeff
More to discover