CJ PV v PV 11 v New Classic

Thanks for the input. Kind of sounds like the Classic is the way to go. Avoids the issue of age related repairs, more modern sound, quieter, etc. I liked the warmth of the older CJ stuff but the pieces I borrowed were noisier and less detailed. Maybe this is the middle ground I am looking for.

Although the Classic resembles the PV-10 series, my understanding is that it is a completly different circuit design. Which one is better for you depends on what sound characteristics you are looking for.

I owned a PV-10B many years ago, and I had a Classic in house for several weeks (many years later). To me, the Classic is a much better preamp then the PV-10B in almost all respects: build qualty, more neutral, better bass and *much* quieter.

But many guys prefer the sound of the older CJ gear - it's a little warmer and dark than the more recent designs.