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
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.

The CJ is very good.  I had the 17LS. That being said, I'd look at a balanced preamp from BAT or Cary to go with the balanced Pass.  You have to be privey of the output impedence of the pre with the input impedence of the amp.  Best.  Regards......

A couple of more suggestions. I really enjoyed the Premier 16 when I owned it. Went from 16 mk 1 to Art mk 1, and did like it a bit better. Though, certainly not much better. You might get lucky, and find one for 3K. One more that comes to mind would be the Shindo Aurieges. I bet you wouldn’t be tooblue with the Lamm (-: