[SteveFord]

Has anybody heard this one? 
http://www.conradjohnson.com/It_just_sounds_right/pvclassic.html
If so, is it as good as the reviews say?
I've gotten the new preamp bug for some odd reason and this is certainly priced right.

[enginesix]

it looks like an updated PV10, which I have owned, then traded for a PV12.  the PV10 was ok, and if I had tube rolled I might have kept it.  the PV12 is an excellent pre amp, the phono section is a good match for h/o mc or mm cartridges.  I a few years ago, I got the bug for a new pre amp, an I  bougtht a cary slp-98l.  great pre amp, responds well to tube rolling.  then, a friend gave me a set of telefunken 12AU7's for the linestage of my PV12.  I put the cary away, have not listened to it in 5 years.  the telefunkens with the PV12 have opened my ears.  also, I love conrad johnson equipment.  just my 2 cents.

[doug s.]

keep your eyes peeled for a melos - either ma333r or sha-gold/r.  absolutely killer preamps, imo.  i owned a cary slp98 for a coupla months; i put it up f/s the day after i hooked my ma333r into my system.  the cary smoked the melos on looks, if that means anything.     it was also better than the rogue 99 magnum it replaced.  the cary was a toss-up between it and the s/s linn kairn i was using before - these two had differing wirtues/wices; the melos combined the strengths of both w/zero weaknesses.

there's a sha-gold on agon right now that i would consider - if you don't want remote or tape loop.  i'd ask quite a bit less than the seller is asking, tho...

doug s.

[TONEPUB]

It is as good as the reviews say.  I've got a PV-12 that was sent back to CJ that is even better, but I wanted the phono stage.

The Classic is very similar in design and sound to the basic, un - updated PV -12, though a little bit more extended on top and not quite as warm in the midrange as the older PV-12.

if you do need a phono stage (MM), Id seriously consider finding a PV-12 for about $800 and sending it back to CJ for the Teflon cap/power supply upgrade, about $1200.  The result, with some good NOS tubes is shockingly good.  I've got an ACT 2 in my main system and am about to upgrade to a GAT, but the PV-12 is damn good in system two....

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I would give a listen to the new AVA FET Valve Preamp.  I did a review on it and the new FET Valve amp and DAC over on the Van Alstine circle.  The Preamp is detailed and very musical with excellent bass.

[Delta Wave]

keep your eyes peeled for a melos - either ma333r or sha-gold/r.  absolutely killer preamps, imo.  i owned a cary slp98 for a coupla months; i put it up f/s the day after i hooked my ma333r into my system.  the cary smoked the melos on looks, if that means anything.     it was also better than the rogue 99 magnum it replaced.  the cary was a toss-up between it and the s/s linn kairn i was using before - these two had differing wirtues/wices; the melos combined the strengths of both w/zero weaknesses.

there's a sha-gold on agon right now that i would consider - if you don't want remote or tape loop.  i'd ask quite a bit less than the seller is asking, tho...

doug s.

I'm digging my Melos, thanks for the recommendation! ...AND the manual! I'm running it with NOS Phillips (Holland) Miniwatts that were recommended to me for the MA-333r by another person. I'm beginning to figure out the trims for the Pho-tentiometer too.

It is a fantastic preamp but now I've figured out my speakers limits. I'll be in the market for a new set of Maggies in a few months.

[Poultrygeist]

I liked my CJ PV1/2 but it didn't match as well with my Bottlehead Paramours as the Seduction III does. It's phono stage had lots of gain but I think the Jolida JD9 is better.