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

Showing 1 response by sufentanil

Dwr, what is it that you don't like about your current system? I've never heard Geddes Abbey speakers before, but the rest of your system looks like it leans on the warmish side. Is that your listening preference?

If you don't truly have any deficiencies in your sound, but are looking to make changes for the sake of making changes, then my advice would be to simply keep it as is. But if you need, for instance, more transparency, then maybe moving to one of the ARC preamps or a solid-state preamp such as a Musical Fidelity A308cr, Classe CP-50, Innersound iPre, or a Bel Canto preamp. Obviously, this just scratches the surface in terms of options.

Michael