Need recomendation for an IC to fill out and enrich the sound between amp and pre-amp.

Thanks to all who have responded so far. I may have ask this same question a few months ago

To Almarg, I think I need to put my glasses on, because as you noted before, the BAT VK-200 only has XLR inputs.  They DO have RCA outputs but that is not going to help my case.  

 I did see in the AG "Cable Category" that JW Cables who uses a cryo-treatment on both his speaker wire and interconnects offers an XLR to RCA cable. along with standard RCA to RCA and XLR to XLR.  I am sure other brands that other members have recommended, like Wireworld or Transparent may offer similar mixed connector IC's

I know about the reverse polarity requirement of the CJ PL14L;  I owned a CJ PV-8 pre-amp back in 1988, and had to reverse the speaker leads. Therefore, the speakers are in correct phase. 

As far as rolling the tubes, the member who sold me the PV-14L SE  claimed that when he had the CJ do the "SE" upgrade, they retubed the unit with M8080 tubes.  . He claimed they have about 1000 hours on them, but were rated for 5000 to 10,000 hours.  I have to recheck with him about the tubes. 

Lastly, I need to look at your 2nd paragraph more closely about using the Jensen Transformer which I want to avoid, not because of the cost, but I don't want to add another freakin box to the system.  Also, I am not sure I completely understand the  RCA and XLR  IC arrangement you explained above.  Nevertheless, I will keep you and others posted..  

Happy Holidays to all......SJ 

Almarg.  Thank you again for the information about the Jensen Transformer

I have 3 ways to go; 1) BAT no lower has adapters, and suggested Cardas adapters. Victor K. at BAT did say I was better off with  "what I have now" that is, the Signal Cable that is RCA (out) to XLR input.  Therefore,  I think he endorses the concept of a mixed connector IC, then using adapters 

2)  JW Audio Cable emailed me back regarding its ad on AG which show a Reference series IC for $329, or the Signature series IC for $149. Both are 1M and can be configured the same as the Signal Cable I currently use.

3)  Jensen Transformer with their cables which are Canares Star Quad. The question comes down to which solution will deliver the best sound and provide the most compatible connection.  The adapters are only a last consideration and are not inexpensive. Parts Connexsion sells the Cardas adapters for about 82.00 a set and I will need two sets. (I think) plus $6.00 shipping

Obviously, the Jenson transformer with appropriate cables will cost $300-$350  So it is a toss -up between the JW Audio Reference cable , or the Jensen device  Let me know if you have any other  thoughts on the 2 solutions, should you have the time. I am not in a hurry and it is not crucial.  .  SJ

To mtot,   Thank you for your comment about the Cardas Adapters. Interestingly Victor Khomenko at BAT informed me about the Cardas Adaptors, but more or less to stick with what I have, that is the Signal Cable mixed configuration

Parts Connexion sells the Cardas adapters. I will check the link to dedicated audio to see how they price the Cardas adapters.

To Stringreen, BAT power amp and CJ pre-amp are a very satisfying combo, and I  spent months researching and looking for  compatible separates.  Maybe I should have waited for a used BAT pre-amp to come available on AG that was at my price range. God knows, I e-mailed  Victor  K at BAT enough about several BAT pre-amps that came available on AG and e-bay.  However, the price for the CJ PV-14L SE was very good and in my overall budget fro separates. 

What I like you to clarify should you revisit this thread, is the last sentence of your reply......that..."balanced cables....do much more than just provide lower noise."  I will appreciate if you can elaborate  on that statement; It might reaffirm what Almarg said in his last comment on 12/22. about the Jensen Transformer as the best solution.   Thanks

To ggc,  Regardless, of the sound of their IC's as you indicated, Thales prices are beyond the beyond of my budget.  Thanks anyway.   SJ    

To jafant,  I did not dismiss your recommendation of the Audience cabling.  I have been generously bombarded by cable options (some) which appear less expensive 

However, scroll back to Almarg's comments about the Jensen Transformer as possibly the best solution. Also, I noted in my response to Stringreen's last sentence of his comments which may add to Almarg's position or not. Neither eliminates Audience cable as an option, nor the cardas adapters. 

Usually, when  their are many options as noted above,  I have to step away to clear my head.   I think this is a good strategy until after the New Year arrives.   Thanks,  SJ