ConradJohnson--Can their vintage compete with new?

With the right speakers, a PV14 with an MF2250 or MF2250A would make a really nice combination. You could also go with PV10B or PV12. The PV12's are hard to find, though. I use to have an SS PF2.. it sounded similar to my Threshold T3i... very close but not quite there. The price of the T3i was almost 3x the price of a new PF2.

Thanks to those who responded; you have provided good information and sensible alternatives....To Dwr, I had Bob Backert modify my CJ-PV-8 for a lower noise floor, there was some improvement, but not necessarily revelation. Though in retrospect, it did bring something extra to the sound--- tonal color and harmonics were fuller or richer. Bob was working for Danby Stereo in Ardmore, Pa.and that was at least 15 years ago....Dwr, Could you tell me approx. how much those mods and upgrades cost for the PV-14L ??. Some members also mentioned other and "earlier" CJ pieces which are interesting. The question is are the newer vintage pieces qualitatively better than older ones, and therefore a better bet to modify and improve??

I think you know... I hope. Conrad Johnson will upgrade a PV-14L to a PV-14LS2.

Vinkim, your comment makes me wonder whether I heard the CJ integrated with either poorly matched gear or poorly matched tubes. I'm very pleased to hear that piece is working out so well for you.
Art

Sunnyjim, I emailed you the cost and explanation of the mods I had RHB perform on the preamp.