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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Steve, sorry for uber late reply. Perhaps no longer relevant but I have been a CJ and ARC guy for so long it was just a natural.