Price Paid:  $500.00 from Consignment

Summary:
Ok, so I saw my CJ PV5 preamp listed, but no reviews, so I decided to write a little something. I've had the PV5 for about 6 years now. It is extremely smooth and involving. Excellent midrange vocals. These are very well priced, and a small price to pay to enter the high end stereo arena. I sent it back to CJ about 3 years ago for tubes and minor repair. Excellent service! I am using this unit with a Mark Levinson 23.5, NHT 3.3 speakers and CalAudio Icon CD (as you can see, I am a budget audiophile). Wow!! serious sound! The amp and the speakers are a little forward, so I think its good to have a softer preamp. It was well reviewed when it premiered, and considered a landmark piece among audiophiles. The only drawback is that it is single-ended and not balanced and no remote(would love to go balance to my Mark Levinson). I still think it will hold up to many of the current preamps for triple the price!! Contact me if you have any questions.

Strengths:
Great sound, especially in midrange vocals. Has built in phono stage.

Weaknesses:
Little hot while running, but it is a tube preamp!