Kw6: I happened to hear the Hovland yesterday in a casual audition and was favorably impressed. If you live in the NY tri-state area, Audio Outlet in Mount Kisco has both the Hovland and the CJ units in the same room, that would be a place to audition both at the same time.
Hovland v. c-j 17LS
Of the two pre amps mentioned above, which one is more transparent as a line stage. I saw the inside of the Hovland pre and without the phono section this thing does not seem worth the 5K asking price. And the Hovland transformers seem so small whereas the c-j seems to offer more parts and bang for the buck. Would like to here from owners or audtioners of these two pres. Thanks!