CJ PV-14L vs. Cary SLP-88


I'm looking for a new tube preamp in a (new) cost neighborhood of around $2,000 or so.

Any thoughts on how these two popular preamps compare?
No dealers in my area so I have not had the opportunity to listen to either of them.

I will mate this with a CAL digital front end, CJ MF2100 ss amp and Legacy Victoria speakers. Looking for something that will help bring jazz and vocals to life.

Another post here mentioned that quality 6SN7 tubes are becoming difficult to find -- would that be a reason to steer clear of the Cary, Blue Circle or any other preamp using this tube?
knaptime

Showing 1 response by czbbcl

The pre-amps you mention are very good. However, you are very close to the cost of a used CJ premier 17ls which is an excellent pre-amp. I would try and stretch to this price point. Otherwise both the CJ and Cary you mention are very good. A couple of dealers on this forum might let you do an in home demonstration if you ask. I would try this route before making a decision.

Chuck