I heard the P5 with JM Labs speakers in ATL and was not impressed in the slightest. The bass output was perhaps noticeably present but for the money it did nothing for me. It sounded detached, thick, and somewhat etched. While auditioning the dealer replaced the P5 with a CJ 17 and it blew me away. A bit fat and slower sounding but world's better than the P5. I was more impressed with the Sim Audio W-5 amp. FWIW
CJ 18LS vs. Simaudio P-5
Folks, your input please. I'm deciding between a CJ 18LS and Simaudio P-5 preamp to be used with a Bryston 14B SST amp, Modwright tube-staged Sony NS999ES, with HT Truthlink interconnects. I've read both of these preamps tend to smooth out rough edges without sacrificing openess. Anyone have firsthand experience with either of these preamps?