Conrad Johnson--Best used Model


I just purchased a Pass Labs XA 30.5 & want to pair with a CJ preamp

I'm looking for experience on which model to by used or new for $1-3 k

I would love the Lush house sound with details and soundstage without being plodding

Frozen

frozentundra

2ND note;

I have always wanted to demo a CJ ART3 pre-amp.

I have heard and auditioned the ACT2 pre-amp, very fine indeed.

Pass amps tend to sound best through their balanced inputs. c-j only makes single ended outputs. Some of the c-j pres  output impedances might be tricky with the Pass's input impedance.

Buy a used Pass Labs X1 or XP15 from Reno Hi-Fi.

CJ is a poor match with Pass, IMO.

Unsound is right, Pass is best with balanced.
Hey not what you specifically asked but when I had that amp in my system it really sang with a Lamm LL2.1 Deluxe and prior LL2 Deluxe, this pairing was the best I heard the XA30.5, if the amp wasn't 80 pounds and bulky I would still own it and kind of wish I still did.