Repair my C-J PV11 or try to replace?


Looking for opinions from people familiar with the sound of an up-to-spec Conrad-Johnson PV11 (w/phono). I have one I bought used here several years ago. The rest of my system is in my profile.

The PV11 needs a little work, and for ~$200, C-J will go over the unit, repair as needed and bring it up to spec.

Money is tight, but I was wondering how an up-to-spec PV11 would compare to budget preamps available today in the $800-$1200 range. My requirements are full function, especially a balance (or L/R volume) control, prefer two tape loops, MM phono input (I suppose I could pick up a budget phono pre if I had to). I am not opposed to defeatable tone controls. I would like (but do not require) remote control and a theater bypass input.

I don't mind buying used, but I don't really have the patience to change preamps a dozen times in order to find good synergy.

I generally like the sound of the PV11 (it's the only glass in my system), and I prefer warmth with detail over analytical, hyper-detailed sound. I am very sensitive to any exaggeration or distortion in the brightness range (4-8kHz). I am fearful that going to a SS pre by Rotel, NAD, Parasound, Arcam, et. al. will result in sonics that I will find too cold, and will worsen the listening fatigue factor in my system.

Musical taste is all over the map, but no rap, new age or opera.

Also bear in mind that my limited audio budget might be better spent improving the digital source gear (Rotel RCD-02 CDP) and/or speakers (Vandersteen 1C w/2Wq subwoofers).

Any informed suggestions and comments would be very appreciated. Thanks in advance.
bondmanp
Keep the C-J. Most new(er) preamps in that price range are hardly full function, having just a line stage, no balance control or tape loop. Maybe remote control, but no tone controls either.
Either have C-J refresh it or send it to Bill Thallman at Music Technology (he's a former C-J tech director) and have him upgrade it for a real sonic treat!
Cheers!
Keep the CJ. IMHO you won't be able to come close for 1200.

Awesome service from CJ as well.
Yes, No money, C-J service is indeed awesome. OK - unless someone else feels strongly otherwise, the C-J will go in for repair & refresh. Thanks, all!
I made the mistake of selling my C-J PV-11 don't do it, I would gladly get one for my second system, so if you have any other thoughts...;)
I had a PV11 for many years. Your stated listening preferences make keeping the PV11 a easy decision.

I sent it in for refurb by Bill Thalmann (He was an engineer for cj for over 20 years)and he did a superb job in re-doing the pre. I highly recommend you consider him to go through it. He installed the faster diode that essentially makes it a PV12.

Have Fun!