Happiness is .....

[joeinid]

Playing music through an EMM Labs DAC2X into a Pass Labs XP-30 preamp, a Dartzeel NHB-108 amp and TAD CR-1 speakers. I've been around the block several times with this, as you all well know. I keep coming back to my Dartzeel on my CR-1's. What can I say? It sounds like music, natural and unforced. Why? I can't say, but I can tell you I am enjoying the current combo.

[dmnc02]

I can't imagine this being the end of your journey, though

Do you like the XP-30 better than the GAT in your system?

[Doug Lax]

Are these in Joe's future?

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by joeinid

Playing music through an EMM Labs DAC2X into a Pass Labs XP-30 preamp, a Dartzeel NHB-108 amp and TAD CR-1 speakers. I've been around the block several times with this, as you all well know. I keep coming back to my Dartzeel on my CR-1's. What can I say? It sounds like music, natural and unforced. Why? I can't say, but I can tell you I am enjoying the current combo.

Joe,
It's all about synergy.
Tomorrow you will listen to the Dyns again with the PR350 and will find the combo awesome too.
We just need multiple rooms my friend !

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by dmnc02

I can't imagine this being the end of your journey, though

Do you like the XP-30 better than the GAT in your system?

I like it the same but differently. I think the GAT has too much gain for me. Maybe I do not get some of the bloom of the GAT but the XP-30 nudges on the warmer side of neutral. It is dead quiet like my 077 but has more fullness and slightly rounder edges than the 077. I am contemplating a change in the future that might go better with the XP-30, so we will see. The journey never ends.

Originally Posted by Doug Lax

Are these in Joe's future?

Maybe these

Originally Posted by C220MC275

Joe,
It's all about synergy.
Tomorrow you will listen to the Dyns again with the PR350 and will find the combo awesome too.
We just need multiple rooms my friend !

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[dmnc02]

Originally Posted by joeinid

Maybe these

I believe in the synergy from matching preamp and amps by the same manufacturer whenever possible. I am just puzzled, given the electronics you seem to prefer (Dartzeel, Pass), that you are reluctant to try a full tube system.

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by dmnc02

I believe in the synergy from matching preamp and amps by the same manufacturer whenever possible. I am just puzzled, given the electronics you seem to prefer (Dartzeel, Pass), that you are reluctant to try a full tube system.

I am reluctant for a couple of reasons. My stereo is on for the better part of 12 hours a day. I know multiple systems have been recommended before, but I don't have the room and I do not like switching back and forth. Tube maintenance would be astronomical. I have considered and still do consider a GAT/ART setup. Maybe in the future. I do not want tube gear with fans which leaves out ARC. Maybe a lower powered tube setup with appropriate speakers would be a consideration.

[Doug Lax]

I have alway loved Pass as far back as the Aleph 0

[cmalak]

Joe...did you have a thread on the new XP30 or did you just slip that one by us? I can't keep up with the revolving door chez Joe

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by Doug Lax

I have always loved Pass as far back as the Aleph 0

I've had many Pass pieces before so I know what I am getting into. The heat of tubes without the maintenance