I was in your exact position about two years ago. For high quality acoustic recordings you want the CJ. That is because it is smooth, musical, and when the recording is accurate the soundstage is really natural. The VAC seems to have a less laid back midrange with more "bite" and excitment. May be better for rock. My experience with VAC is just from the audition at my dealer. I went with the CJ because I am a soundstage guy and I like the gold faceplate. If I could afford the VAC with the blue tubes, now they are really cool :)
conrad johnson or vac?
I am going to make the jump to tubes. My system consists of avalon arcus loudspeakers and audible illusion l1 linestage. My qestion is: I'm looking at a cj premier 11a and vac pa 100/100. Anyone have any suggestions, given the speakers and linestage. I listen to mostly jazz and r/r. Thanks in advance.