Audible Illusions Modulus 3 Audio Research SP-11

It's all about system matching and synergy. You don't mention what amps you are using... I had an older AR (don't remember which one) which was way to muddy with my amps. That said I've been using the AI 3B since the upgrade came out and I love it. Can it be beat, sure but at what price.

The AI is very transparent, and doesn't add anything. And if one more person says its eats tubes my head is going to explode. That's just not true (anymore), if anything tubes last longer since they are constantly heated. (The JC gold phono board is a big plus for us vinyl lovers as well.) I can understand people bitching about the high output but that can be tamed. Some folks love to pick on the two volume controls or lack of remote, forgetting that it's a dual mono design...

Good luck
Tony

If you like sound of the CJ, I don't think you'll like the AI. I did direct comparisons with the CJ Premier 14 (and 17) which were both very dark in comparison to AI 3A. The AI doesn't have that classic tube preamp coloration. It's neutral to perhaps a bit bright in the upper spectrum. I don't know the rest of your gear sorry....

Georgelofi makes a passive called the Lightspeed that a lot of folks like so maybe he can help you out... It's very afordable as well.

Tony

Oppo, I didn't realize the CJ was an amp... Never-mind!

F-ing auto correct. That was "opps" not Oppo (which makes nice Bluray players...)