What is as tube sounding as Conrad today?

Thanks for the replies.

I am well aware $300 (even for a used unit) is not enough moola for a great preamp. However, I read from here and there on the forums little Chinese preamps or some DIY kits sound fantastic. Some even $50! Now, I am not saying $50 preamp will sound as good as CJ but can’t it even come remotely close? YS-Audio is a good example. Although I haven’t heard one, an audiophile friend was going to (maybe even he was at one point) be their US distributor. He was telling me it was an amazing preamp.

Sure, I can go little more on what I can spend but I am thinking unless I spend a good amount of money, (maybe $2K-$3K) I will not even hear a difference.

Argghh I wrote a long response and thanks to Audiogon deleted all of it!

@roberjerman: I hear you! I have tried almost all Class D chips. They have something that I do not like in the highs which I cannot pinpoint. However, TA2022 chip from Tripath (only this chip) is different for me. It has the closest sound to Pass Labs Aleph 3 which I once owned (I feel weird using Nelson Pass’ name in the same sentence with Tripath but this is what I hear). I think Sphinx has Hypex UCD180 boards (they are from NL, MAYBE their boards are made in China or at least most parts are from China) and I have heard their "better" Ncore NC400 and I still liked the TA2022’s sound better. My brother who actually owns the NC400s fully agrees with me but he still likes his Pass XA 30.5 better.

@ebm No, I have not seen it sold for $300 but have seen it sold for $350 (fully working). You just need to wait. Actually, today someone purchased a PV-5 below $500 (no not $499, below that)! So, yes it is possible.

Thanks to all of you for the responses!

I did buy a CJ PV-5 today with extra tubes (never installed new tubes). Including shipping, PayPal fees, etc. I didn’t pay $300 but paid a fair price where I didn’t have to stretch my budget too much. 

Can’t wait to receive it!

@lou_setriodes I don’t want to be one of those people who says I will keep you posted and then never writes back. I don’t promise but I will keep you posted. Though, it will be a long while (probably end of August maybe later) since I am constantly away from home this summer. 

@bondmanp special thanks to you for taking time and finding out preamps for me. I really appreciate it.