2. amps-preamps
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Conrad Johnson 350 vs Pass Labs X amp

I have a CJ 17LS preamp, CJ Premier 11A power amp and Quad 989 speakers. I'm planning on upgrading the power amp and was thinking of the CJ 350. I don't need 350 wpc but I'm attracted to it because people are saying its the best amp CJ have yet made - even better than the 140. However I've also been reading very good things about Pass Labs amps and was wondering about the X150.5. Has anybody compared the 350 and the X150.5?
PS. You may say I should be comparing the X350.5 with the CJ but as I understand it the only difference in the X amps is the power output, and as I said I don't need 350 wpc.
iansr
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I have a 350 and it is very good, the best I have heard to my ears. It drives difficult loads with ease. My Gamut L5 will shut down my Meridan 605s after making the heat sinks very hot. These amps drove my Apogee Dutettas easly. The heat sinks on the 350 get barely warm. I might be loath to use them on Quads because of the power; if you do use restraint.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Martin Colloms found them very good also
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,525 posts
 
I had the pleasure of listening to this outstanding CJ power amp mated w/ the Act2 Series2 CJ pre-amp.  Today, this is still my reference until I can hear an ART3 CJ pre-amp.  My listening sessions took place in 2007/08.

Would love to read more about those who have demo'ed this amp.
Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
unsound
7,363 posts
 
The Pass Labs amps are said to be ideally suited for pres with low output impedances and balanced outputs. The c-j's are obviously most likely to be very compatible. c-j has recently introduced some new ss amps. While some have noted that the newer ss amps don't seem to have as sturdy transformers as their earlier offerings, they do appear to offer some upgraded teflon caps and other parts. Perhaps a lower powered c-j with such upgrades might be a consideration. Not knowing your speakers, etc., makes making recommendations problematic. The Pass Labs might be slightly better at handling low impedance loads. FWIW, I fan of both c-j ss and Pass Labs.
oblgny's avatar
oblgny
848 posts
 
I've owned the Pass Labs X150.5 amp,  at the time using an Audio Research LS2 tubed pre - unbalanced.  So I had a kinda/sorta "hybrid" set up,  solid state with the Pass,  tube with the ARC.  I obtained the Pass shortly after buying a First Watt M3 amplifier through the same dealer.  I would mention the dealer but I'm not certain if the site would permit that.  I sent back the M3 and purchased the Pass.  

These were heard through a pair of Thiel CS 3.5's which,  with the supplied electronic crossover,  had a frequency range of 20hz to 20khz.  Then,  as now,  I used Anti-cables throughout.

Unfortunately I was bitten by the unobtanium virus and I foolishly traded the amp away to fund a McIntosh amp.  A used/refurbished Pass Labs X150.5 currently costs DOUBLE what I paid for it in the same condition.

I am currently scouring the web for the X150.5.  Should never sold it.


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