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

Showing 1 response by oblgny

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.