Quote Originally Posted by E-Stat
Admiring specs is ok, but I was really curious as to your sonic preferences. My favorite preamp thus far (have not seriously auditioned the VTL 7.5) - and waaay out of my budget is the C-J ART II. While I haven't heard the Halcro preamp, I am told by a trusted ear who has that it is wonderfully detailed, but a touch sterile.

You chose a $15k preamp. Are there any less expensive models that fit your "inaudible distortion" criteria ?

rw
I agree with your "trusted ear". Sterile is exactly how I would describe the sound of the Halcro, although I didn't spend all that much time with it. And just to be contrary, I found the Wyetech Labs Opal preamp to be a touch more to my preference than the CJ ART II. HP and yourself disagree. Alas, it's unlikely I'll ever be able to afford either one. However, I could afford the Wyetech before the CJ at roughly half the scratch!