Preamp recommendations please
I have a Pass Labs X250.5 and am beginning a search for a preamp. The speakers I am intending to have are Magnepans, most likely 3.7i’s with 20.7s being a remote possibility.
I built a Pass Pearl II to go with my ZYX Omega so I am not looking for a preamp with phono preamp capability. If I had to get a preamp today I would pick up a Pass Labs, maybe an XP-10 or 12, but I have two projects to finish at work before I can turn my attention to finishing my system so I have time to do some research. Might as well put it to use, have some fun and learn something. I may end up getting more than one preamp to try and then decide what to keep. I would very much appreciate if, along with your recommendations, you could give your reasoning why that particular preamp (or type/class of preamp) would be a good fit for the components I have listed. Thanks!!!! Steve |
Do you have a preference for solid state or tubes. I like audio research ref 6 w pass if you like tubes. SS I would likely go w Pass pre.
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I am not philosophically opposed to a tube preamp. Do they have a transformer output? If they do that might not be the best match to the X250.5 input from a source to load impedance point of view, at least on paper. How it sounds is what matters.
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I highly recommend a Pass Labs preamp. See my thread on Pass Labs Synergy. I had a 250.8 and ended up buying an XP22 preamp. It was the best combination I tried with the Pass amp and while I now own 260.8 amps, I continue to love the preamp.
You should also call Kent at Pass Labs. He can walk you through the sonic differences between the XP10, XP12 and XP22. Good luck. |
Thanks Dave!
I bought the X250.5 used from a nice gentleman. He played it for me in his system with an XP-12 and Wilson Sasha speakers when I went to pick it up. It was quite nice. Is there a Pass preamp that is the obvious match to the X250.5? |
currently utilizing a pair of X260.8's driving a pair of Revel Studio 2's. My preamp(Linestage) of choice is an ARC LS28, I couldn't be happier.
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Thanks for the response. What is it about the LS28 that compelled you to chose it to drive the X260.8's? |
I’m using a XP22 with an X250.5 and Maggie 3.7’s it is an outstanding combination. That give’s my big system a serious run. The magic came with the XP22
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For what it's worth since this is an older thread... I am very happy with a Backert Rhumba preamp mated with my Pass XA25 amp! It uses a couple of 12au7-type of tubes, with my faves in this preamp being the CBS 5814a tubes.
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