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


I have my preamp choice nailed down to an Audio Research Reference 1 and a Conrad Johnson Premier 17 LS. I would appreciate some opinions about this choice that may help me decide. Additionally, the Audio Research is about $700 more. Both are used.
My system:
Thiel 3.6
Clearaudio Performance SE with Maestro
Audio Research PH5
Classe CA-2200
Current pre is a Cary slp 308
Thanks in advance
Bill
bill10907
Hey Labrec, you're right, the level of ridiculousness on this forum has to stop!
So why not just stop posting, then us grown ups can talk rationally. Sorry to be harsh. :)
VAC has always been on my short list for preamps, but I have never seen one live. Even at shows..

Labtec, you threw the first blow and took the thread down this path. You accomplished your goal.
jmcgrogan...maybe you should re-read the Subject of the post.

It asked for opinions between the Ref1 and 17LS.

I stated previous ownership of one, asked questions about why he is changing, as well as provided questions that would help him choose the right option of the two.

You just provided ridiculous hyberbole about the brands, mentioned other brands not even asked in the subject, and clearly have zero experience with either product that the original poster asked about.

You're welcome to keep posting if your goal is to make me laugh more, but you're not helping the original poster with your hyperbole and primitive understanding of the brands in question.