I have a ARC PH5 phono stage, so I am somewhat familiar with the CJ (my current preamp) and ARC "sounds." I know CJ has a reputation for being warm and ARC has a reputation for being more neutral. But I also know that both machines have been lauded for their neutrality, so I think they may be a bit closer in sound than in the past. I am not asking for a comparison in "sound" as much as a comparison in terms of things like bass reproduction, clarity, detail, and naturalness. I don't need someone to make a decision for me as much as I need some data upon which I can base my decision.