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Review 3 of 16 Summary:
Been using my PF-R for four years, and find it to be a blast. Before purchase, I compared it - in my system - with the line stage in my Krell integrated, two Audio Research pre-amps (one tube, one solid-state), and a Rowland. The PF-R whacked them all when it came to truthful timbre, and whacked all but the Audio Reseach LS-2B in micro and macro-dynamics and timing, where I found the CJ and that particular AR to be more or less equal.
It's made for a great combination with my BEL power amps. Based on my experience with a Pass Labs ONO phono stage, which is a very high-gain device, I feel like the CJ is likely imposing a modest editorial effect on timbre, but it is all to the good in that it is that groovy golden-color associated with CJ's gold faceplates. (FYI, the ONO faceplate is light black/charcoal grey). And it certainly is not restraining time or values in any way: something that I can't imagine any preamp improving, but know that many preamps can impede. Likewise, micro and macro-dynamic And these virtues are evident in every kind of music I've heard; there is no "this unit is good for _________" kind of B.S., which necessarily implies the unit in question is not as good for something else.
My one complaint is with the volume knob, which doesn't seem to have fine enough a range at the low end of the knob, and which will pass some sound, on some inputs, even when turned down all the way (but there is no cross-input bleed, which would be unacceptable). I also sometimes have a low-level hissing sound from one channel, which comes and goes with phases of the moon. But the sonics are exemplary. BTW, the remote is very cheesy, but I don't often use it, so it's no big deal.
So an easy 5 for sonics, but a four for value 'cuz of the above-stated non-sonic caveats
Strengths:
timbre, rhythmic agility Weaknesses:
volume knob is coarse at low end Similar Products Used:
krell, audio research, rowland
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