Anyone have any experience with C-J's older pre amps like the PV-7 or 9? In particular, how good is the phono section? Are they a good buy? Here's one, for example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3021529683&category=14974 They seem to show up regularly on audiogon and eBay. Thanks, Dan C
C-J's are known for their excellent phono sections. Too midrangy for some, but I think it gets the midrange just right. I'm using a CJ PF-1, it is excellent in the phono dept. At the prices that they sell for on the used market, they are a terrific phono bargain.
Thanks much for your input. Vinyl reproduction is very important to me. I'm interested in eventually assembling a low-powered tube system, perhaps with speakers like the Moth Cicada or something from The Horne Shoppe. With neutral sounding tube amps, I was thinking that the C-J pre might be a nice match (I actually love slightly "warm" sound). Thanks again, Dan C
I have a PV-5, which I bought new in 1984, and while it's currently out of commission, I intend to have it brought back to life. I still love it for its warm, fatigue-free, spacious sound. The phono section is excellent, though I've always had a Cotter Transformer in the chain (low-output Denon 103D). While good audio equipment should ideally sound equally at home with all kinds of music, I feel the C-J is more suited to classical or jazz--it's not what I'd call the perfect rock preamp, if you know what I mean: a little laid-back, not a vivid, hit-you-over-the-head type of sound. Horses for courses... MK