Audio Research LS3B vs. Conrad Johnson PV10b

Ihave had both AR and CJ preamps but not exactly these same models... anyway... I have found that the AR sound is more linear (freq. response) but a tad grainy (midrange) in comparison to the CJs, which are more musical but lacking the ultimate extreme resolution at both ends.

Please consider that I have not had the more expensive models of both companies - which is exactly what you are evaluating.

Fernando

I not so sure the last post is correct. The 10B was the last updated PV10. I believe that line stage was based off of the PV-12, since the PV12 had been discontinued. I'm not positive.
Best to call CJ and ask. I own a PV-11 which some like better than the PV-12 even though the PV-12 was newer. In a old Stereophile review they compared the PV-11 the ARLS3 and a Theshold FET10. They liked the CJ the most. Most musical. The Cj has the warmer sound.

The PV10's are not even close to being in the same league. I've owned CJ stuff for the past ten years. A PV12 would be a better consideration. It is leaps and bounds more sophisticated than the "10". At that point it would be a matter of opinion as to which is better. I think the PV12 will be a little warmer sounding perhaps.