I hear CJ-P11a with ARC-VT100MKII in the store and bought ARC. At that time we try both CJ(16 or 17?) and ARC(LS15) pre. P11a has a warmer sound (more tuby) to me. But I choose ARC because it make orchestra sing better than CJ in large classical recording. Back home, ARC fills my small room with huge sound stage when I play record. Instead of tweeking stereo by myself, now I have whole family sitting with me in the front row of concert hall. It confirms my choice and I have no regret(my wife agrees my expense first time, don't take it wrong, she has good ears too).
To me CJ is perfect for jazz vocal at winter night IMHO. Warm and laid back (you are all right, tube bass.. can improve a little by power, but just louder tube bass). If you play record and have warm speakers, it may overdose the warmness ( too much sugar can ruin the cake too). It is a small room with a few guys play around you. In that respect, I think, old ARC class series are well comparable. On the other hand, ARC VT takes more people in a concert hall. I do admit that with ARC, I still have to have some room treatment to make it perfect (bcz more high and low end but worths every minitues). I guess CJ may not need it, just guess.
So, to me, it is concert hall vs studio. CJ is somewhat compressed to reach the warmness you like. But you like is what you like. May just stay with it!
BTW, VT-100 is dead quiet (you probably hear fan more than hiss) and it really make you appreciate you DAC if it has the quality.
To me CJ is perfect for jazz vocal at winter night IMHO. Warm and laid back (you are all right, tube bass.. can improve a little by power, but just louder tube bass). If you play record and have warm speakers, it may overdose the warmness ( too much sugar can ruin the cake too). It is a small room with a few guys play around you. In that respect, I think, old ARC class series are well comparable. On the other hand, ARC VT takes more people in a concert hall. I do admit that with ARC, I still have to have some room treatment to make it perfect (bcz more high and low end but worths every minitues). I guess CJ may not need it, just guess.
So, to me, it is concert hall vs studio. CJ is somewhat compressed to reach the warmness you like. But you like is what you like. May just stay with it!
BTW, VT-100 is dead quiet (you probably hear fan more than hiss) and it really make you appreciate you DAC if it has the quality.