amp-preamp considerations.

Machine, I can't help but think that the Parasound JC-1's and the Conrad-Johnson Premier 140 are two very different beasts. BTW, the Parasound offers balanced inputs and no C-J offers balanced inputs or outputs. While it will probably work, the 850 Ohm out put of the 17LS may restrict amp choices. Some how I thought you prefered a ss pre. Good luck on what ever you choose.

Conrad-Johnson Premier 18LS?

Machine, I think you might want to set up your priorities. Although many heare will disagree with me. Assuming you're happy with your speaker selection, you should then decide on your amp. After that you should consider your pre amp choice. While Czbbl, is correct about the greater amount of heat, maintance and cost of tube amps vis a vis tube pre's. Newbee is correct about the greater number of options and ease of impedance synergy between a ss pre and a tube amp. Furthemore, many agree that a tube amp for better or worse, actually imparts more of "tube" influence than a tube pre. Another consideration is that c-j gear is only single ended. There are many more ss pre's and ss amps that offer balanced out/ins than there are in tube offerings. The Pass gear is notable in that it is generally considered to work best in balanced mode even though they are single ended ss. In as much as I usually recommend cable choices as the last decission in a system, you might want to consider how cables are ultimatley going to be used within the system as well. In summary, I think you should decide what you want to do about the c-j tube amp before going any further, unless of course you have speaker issues too...