what is a good tube pre amp out there...........

I went from a PV-10 to a premier 17 then on to the premier 16 and in each case the improvement was dramatic in all areas. So I would suggest you stay within the cj line if that is the sonic character you enjoy.

Cary makes outstanding tubed preamps as well so you might try one of theirs. Although they have what I would call a similar sonic signiture to cj. If you are looking for something more on the anayltic side then ARC or BAT may be worth a try. It really depends on what you are trying to achieve or improve over what you have.

Chuck

steve isnt this the whole idea of the thread.........

I would check out the Purity line from Bill Baker

Chuck, I find it interesting that you find BAT analytical. I've owned many pieces of BAT gear, but I find that they are a bit too dark for my system. Certainly not as dark as CJ or Cary, but the high's are rolled off compared to ARC or VAC. I have seen many people who, like yourself have claimed BAT to be bright or analytical, I've also seen many like myself claim that BAT is too dark. Maybe BAT is the only truely neutral line out there, who knows?

So it's all system dependant, I tend to buy warm and musical speakers, when I combine them with warm and musical electronics I find that too much of a good thing is bad. So CJ, Cary and BAT don't work for me. ARC does, but I prefer VAC.
If the OP loves the CJ sound as he states, he should leave well enough alone and just enjoy the music. Or, if he feels he MUST spend some more money, he should move up within the CJ line. Don't underestimate the joy of leaving well enough alone. :)

Cheers,
John

A question without an answer. To many variables you need to figure out how to audition different pre amps in your system or just enjoy what you have. I use the Aesthetix Calypso (used about $2,400) and really like it but that means nothing to you unless you hear it in your system and can judge. THE BEST ADVISE IS IF YOU LIKE THE CJ YOU HAVE MOVE UP THE CJ LINE.