What is a non-active pre-amp stage?? Are their advantages to this design??

Not heard it but removing the first stage input amplifier does a number of things. It takes out an extra stage of electronics with the idea that simpler is purer. Less crap in the path. You might want to check the input impedence matches the source. Depending on the design it may reduce the "drive" of the amplifier compared to one with an active stage. It is a balancing act between the two.

@sunnyjim - I do not have the CJ, but I have a Naim 5i (Mk II) which also has a passive front end.

Just as another poster pointed out - no active components, just a resistor ladder for volume attenuation and input selector buttons.

When I heard the amp, I was quite taken by the clarity, dynamic performance and expansive image and then over time came to love the very neutral nature of the amp.

I cannot comment on the CJ, but I suspect it would offer similar characteristics. Checkout if it has a resistor ladder for volume attenuation, because they tend to provide better focus to the image (i.e. in my case)

As with any component, the tone may be altered significantly by the cables you choose. I found the NAIM 5i to be very responsive to cable changes.

Unfortunately, I developed my own DIY cables, so I am unable to make any brand/model specific recommendations, but cables that have performed well with my amp include products from KLE Innovations. I also like the look of the cable geometry of Nordost cables. I have heard a couple of their early power cables and they made a noticeable improvements in dynamics, clarity and image.

See if the store will let you demo the amp with your system.

Hope that helps a little - Steve

You might not get enough volume using a phono preamp with a passive preamp. It all depends on the gain of the phono preamp and the output of the cartridge that you are using. The remote will work on all the sources that are being used!

@sunnyjim - Yogiboy might be right about the phono stage, but I have no problems with my Simaudio Moon phono stage which has an adjustable gain jumper in it.

Passive "pre-amps" only attenuate the signal. Sometimes they have an intermediate "booster amp stage" between the inputs and the actual  power amp section in order to provide the same overall abilities as amps with an active pre-amp.

If all of your components output the standard "line level" output voltage then everything should work fine.

The CA 150 does have a remote (as stated in the manual), so yes - you can do everything from your armchair.

Hope that helps - Steve