The CJ has a very layered and rich sound with a very wide and deep soundstage and focused images. The Pass has a livelier sound with better extension at the frequency extremes and larger images. So its like trying to decide between blondes and brunetes: both are good. So the ultimate solution is to get both amps. Who cares if its a little expensive? You only live once.
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.
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.