CJ PV series + SS amp

Hope you don't mind a suggestion that is outside your list. I think the McCormacks are a perfect match with Vandersteens and a near perfect match with c-j. The high input impedance of the McCormack presents a kind load to tubes, though, the high sensitivity of some models might(?) reduce the usable volume control on the usually high out puts of tube pre's. Of course c-j and McCormack are sister companies. IMO the McCormack's some what forward presentation mates perfectly with the Vandersteens some what laid back presentation. Perhaps two of the best values in audio having a symbiotic relationships offers audiophiles unusually high value and quality. Highly recommended!

Hello, I had my choice between a PV-11 and the PV-12 and my audio salesman recommended the PV-11 over the PV-12. He said that the PV-11 had a much better phono section. He is very knowledgable concerning CJ. I guess that CJ changed the materials/components for the worst with the PV-12. The materials used in the PV-11 sounded less harsh than the PV-12. You might be able to figure out the differences from the CJ website. I run my PV-11 with a solid-state amp with great success. Jim

i run a pv-11 with a bryston 4b with great result
tabu

Thanks for the input, I read the CJ web page and I think a PV11 or a 12A would be the way to go. Avoiding the PV12, since CJ did some upgrading when they came out with the PV12a.

I once heard a McCormack with a VAC CLA-1 MKII ( defintely a warm preamp ), running through a pair of Vandersteen's I thought it was a bit to much for me.

Tube777, I'm not trying to argue with your opinion, but, I'm curious, exactly what "was a bit too much"?