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Pros/Cons of moving from CJ PV 10 to SS?

I currently have a CJ PV10 for my preamp. I’m considering replacing it with a solid state preamp around $2000. What are the pros and cons of such a move?

Reasons for the move:
The CJ doesn’t have much in the way of resolution.
I will get a high pitched whine after its been on for several hours. Its done this with all the tubes I’ve tried.

Current set up:

Rotel cd player with PS Audio Dac, w/level three Cullen mods.
Amp: Wyred ST 500 (Replaced aging PS Audio 240 watt mono blocks. The Wyred sounds better).
Speakers: Energy 22.3. This was one step down from the Veritas series. It’s a bit forward sounding. I expect to replace it with either Dynaudio Focus 22.3’s or Vandersteen 3A Signatures.

Music: Almost anything acoustic, 60’s rock.
oldnslow
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
I would strongly suggest you at least contact RHB Dezigns who modifies cj and other hi-end equipment. They are real pros. and design their own circuits to maximize the original preamp. They modified my cj PV-12L and the openness and smoothness is amazing. I have met Bob Backert. He is a true gentleman and committed to making the most of your gear.

http://www.rhbsounddezign.com/
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
why through the baby out with the bathwater would suggest you get a used ARC 100.2 that has a nice 100 k input imp and your existing CJ will fly with the Vandersteen 3A sigs.
and you will be hooked without wondering about your Music
Cheers Johnnyr
lrsky
1,118 posts
 
First of all CJ has good resolution under normal operating conditions. The unit you've described has problems. Call conrad johnson and ask for service help--they're the good guys in audio. They will guide you to the right solution, whether repair or replacement.
IMHO you WON'T get greater resolution with a solid state unit necessarily--certainly not the 'warmth' or musicality that the cj offers.
Good luck.
Larry
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
PV-10 Review It coincides with what the owner hears.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
In my experience and in general you need to move up the food chain $ to get more resolution that is what you pay for. I went from a cj PV-10 to a cj premier 16ls II and better resolution was one of the improvements along with better frequency extention.

Tubes sound different than ss so that is something you have to decide you want. But a tubed pre with ss amp is a great combination at least in my experience.

And as others have said something is wrong with your PV-10 as mine was very quiet.

Chuck
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