Price Paid:  $0.00 from Audiofreaks

Summary:
CJ Premier 16 is a BIG step up from my previous preamp: the Audio Research LS-25. CJ has better dynamics, more detail, much more liquid midrange and much better low level resolution. The ARC LS-25 also lacks the Premier 16''''s big depth of the soundstage. ARC is a little soft at the frequency extremes. This is not true with the Premier 16 that has lots of punch in the bass. The ARC has a more grainy midrange compared to the lovely and liquid presentation of the CJ. It is now much more fun to listen to live recordings: Jazz and classical recordings sounds much more realistic and alive! I''''ve also tried the BAT VK-50SE, another great preamp. It is a little more neutral than the CJ and ARC. But it is also a little more revealing to bad recordings. This preamp is very sensitive to interconnect cables. I''''ve got BAD results with the Transparent Audio MusicLink Plus cables. The sound was bright and soft. But when I changed to the Transparent Audio MusicLink Reference the sound changed dramatically to the better. This is the biggest upgrade of my system ever! Rest of my system: Audio Research VT-100 mk.2, Avalon Avatar speakers, Audio Aero Prima CD-player and Transparent Audio cables.

Strengths:
Big soundstange. Lots of detail with a wonderful and liquid presentation. Big dynamics. Great low level resolution.

Weaknesses:
Very sensitive to interconnect cables.

Similar Products Used:
Audio Research LS-25 mk.1, BAT VK-50SE

Summary:
Had mine upgraded to Mk2 version. This thing has a wonderful ambiance and detail.Its sound is its own, and it is super.I also feel it is the coolest looking preamp out there.I like one box units.

Strengths:
Looks, sound, ease of use

Similar Products Used:
PF-R, Audible Illusions Mod. 3a

Price Paid:  $6900.00 from Audio Outlet, Mt Kisco, NY

Summary:
I was on my way to Audio Outlet, MT Kisco, NY, to give the Conrad Johnson 17LS a listen. Yes, the CJ 17LS at 4.5K! I listened and I liked but then I spied another pre-amp that was sitting above the CJ 17LS and asked if I could take a listen to the CJ 16LS. I was blown away! It just did everything that much better than the CJ 17LS. (The CJ 17LS is probably one of the best 4.5K pre-amps on the market). The CJ 16LS even did some things better in the mid-range than big brother, the ART. The ART, however is ever so slightly better in the inner detail, bass areas, and resolution in the extreme highs. The ART also sells for 8k more than the 16LS and I believe for the money is not worth stepping up to.

Other characteristics of the 16LS is the way it sounds with the BEL MKIIIa amplifier. The BEL is the best solid state amp at any $$$. I never heard the BEL sound so good and I believe it is due to the CJ 16LS passing the BEL qualities through like a great pre-amp should do. The soundstage is deep and wide and the instruments are in the right place all the time. Everything I threw (music that is) at this pre-amp sounded amazing from classical, jazz, new wave, folk, right down to disco. I could have just listened for days without a break. THAT IS HOW GREAT THIS PRE-AMP IS!

If you have the money to spend please take a listen to the CJ 16LS @ Audio Outlet in MT. Kisco, NY and plunge into music heaven. It is the best investment you can make!

My system includes:

Metronome CD1 - CD Player
Conrad Johnson Premier 16LS - Pre-amplifier
BEL MK IIIa - Power Amplifier
Audio Physic Virgo - Speakers
Siltech cables (all around)

Strengths:
Beautiful Highs
Extraordinary Mid-range
Spooky Bass

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Hovland HP-100
Conrad Johnson 17LS
Audio Research Ref 2

Price Paid:  $7000.00 from Audio Klan

Summary:
Very good preamplifier,but not so good as it can be for the money. I prefer new Audio Research preams with 6H30 tubes.
C-J has very warm sound - too warm to me, and a little smear bass. But for those who like C-J sound - it's really very good choice.

Strengths:
Big soundstage, clean sound, great look

Weaknesses:
expensive.

Similar Products Used:
Audio Research LS15, LS25MKII, Electrocompaniet, Sfinx.

Summary:
Upgrading audio equipment is never an easy task. You
can read reviews, magazine articles, talk to dealers, etc...
NEVER buy a high end product before a home audition! My
dealer (Audio Outlet, NY) was nice enough to lend me a demo CJ 16LS. MY system is comprised of following components:
Proac 3.8's, ML 335, ML 360S, ML 37, Joule LA-100 III, and
Transparent cables (ultra & reference). Replacing the
Joule with the CJ 16LS increased detail, soundstaging,and
extension at both frequency extremes. Vocals and acoustic
jazz were so lifelike it was spooky! The Joule is a master
at reproducing the "magical midrange" but lacks the detail,
airy highs, and bass extension of the CJ. Excellent product
but considering price a must home audition.

Strengths:
Superb build quality, open and crystal clear soundstaging,
great company support, nice remote

Weaknesses:
Price

Similar Products Used:
Melos Sha-gold, Joule LA-100 III, Levinson 380S