@jimbones - seems you have a curiosity itch to scratch. I suggest you keep your CJ while trying out another preamp maybe used to mitigate costs, then you can resell at minimal loss.
I find your situation interesting. CJ offers one of the most “musical” preamps and is usually an endgame destination.
After demoing to find the sound I like, I’ve built a SS neutral linear system targeting fidelity and dropping the noise floor. But I’m also building a second flea watt system to discover tube sonics beginning with flea watt SET amps. I’m trying to educate myself of tube Sonics differences without major investments in tubes.