I'm in a preamp pickle: ARC Ref 1 VS CJ 17LS

I owned a 17LS2- if you can find the "2" I would say go with that. It was hands down the best preamp I ever owned. Before buying it I compated it to a very highly touted $16,000 preamp. It wasn't even close- the 17LS2 trounced the other preamp.

ARC stuff tends to be drier, but the 17LS and 17LS2 were CJ moving away from the quintessential CJ golden sound.

Like I said, a terrific preamp.

Thanks for your opinions. I think I'll look for a CJ.
Although I have heard that the ARC stuff can be harsh when listening for extended periods, I suppose I was just dreaming that they softened up with a "REFERENCE" preamp.

I've owned the CJ17ls and pretty familiar with most ARC gear.

Most people giving you advice aren't really knowledgeable about what they are saying.

Here's the first and PRIMARY questions to ask if you are considering the 17LS:

1. Will you be running long interconnects from it to your amp?
2. What is the input impedance of the amp?

Probably the only downside to the 17LS is that it isn't balanced and can't drive long cable runs to the amp as well as other CJ preamps like the ART. If you're using low capacitance cables and short runs, then the 17LS is a great option. You will be getting essentially the same performance of the legendary ART at a fraction of the price.

As for ARC gear, you can almost NEVER go wrong with them either. It will give you balanced outputs, which could be an advantage.

Both pieces would have more in common than dissimilar as they are true reference level preamps.

BTW, the 17LS has one other quirk that may bother some people. It's resister ladder volume control clicks at each change of volume.

Personally though, I'm wondering why you feel the need to change preamps from the Cary.

Yes, the 17LS clicks. Might bother some folks-

11-27-14: Bill10907
Thanks for your opinions. I think I'll look for a CJ.
Although I have heard that the ARC stuff can be harsh when listening for extended periods, I suppose I was just dreaming that they softened up with a "REFERENCE" preamp.

That's alright Bill, we can all dream. ;^)

11-28-14: Labtec
Most people giving you advice aren't really knowledgeable about what they are saying.

Well I guess we could have asked your question number 1, cable length. However, many of us non-knowledgeable buffoons know how to perform a basic Google search and find out that his amp, the Classe CA-2200, has an input impedance of 100K ohms, which shouldn't be an issue with any preamp, and answer your question number 2.

Actually, the question that probably should have been asked, which is more important than either of your two questions, is: Are you looking for more resolution or more musicality?

IF he really NEEDS to run balanced, which is highly unlikely, I would recommend BAT over ARC, UNLESS, he is looking for detail, detail and more detail.

Some folks do like ultra high resolution. I've seen folks pair Thiels, ARC and Nordost cables. It's enough to make most folks ears bleed, but in the end, you pays your money, you makes your choices.

FWIW, I've owned CJ and ARC preamps, as well as VAC, Cary, BAT and a slew of SS preamps.

Cheers,
John