I agree with Triode that the SLP-98 does the "'lush, bloomy' thing big time." In my system, it did it a bit too much, but I can certainly see how it would be perfect for some systems and taste. The Conrad Johnson I am familar with is the 17, and it is not nearly as rich and heavy in the midbass.
An interesting alternative, allbeit more expensive, would be an Emotive Audio Sira. This is a very lively, harmonically rich and exciting sounding linestage that make both the CJ and the Cary sound a tiny bit flat and boring by comparison.
An interesting alternative, allbeit more expensive, would be an Emotive Audio Sira. This is a very lively, harmonically rich and exciting sounding linestage that make both the CJ and the Cary sound a tiny bit flat and boring by comparison.