I owned the V12i and ran it with a Cary SLP-98 and Joule Electra LA-100 MkIII. I had both preamps at the same time so I was able to do side by side comparisons. To me the Joule was a better fit. The Cary combo was just too much of the Cary house sound for me. The Joule was also more musical IMO.
Joule Electra 100 mkiii vs. Musical Fidelity A3cr
I have narrowed my preamp search down to one of these: Joule Electra 100 mkiii OR Musical Fidelity A3cr. One of these will be in front of a Cary V12i tube amp, and Maggie 1.6 speakers. I'm interested mostly in getting the widest/deepest soundstage with tube warmth. Your experienced opinions are much appreciated.