Xa100.8 and Pre Mc C2500?

[raidho]

Hallo,

I have a Xp20 with the Xa100.8.

I will change the preampli with a tube pre.

AR Ref5se / Ref 40 Ann. vs. Mc 2500?

(Wilson Sasha2 as speakers)

Experience Pass with Mcintosh preampli?

Other choices?

thank you.

[Dave_72]

I too was wondering how Pass Labs amps work with McIntosh preamps. I'm not crazy about Pass Labs preamps...not enough features for me.

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Hi Omar,

If you are looking at the ARC Ref5SE, I would also recommend looking at the XP-30. You will get the smoothness and ease of a tube preamp but with increased resolution and an ultra low noise floor, not to mention some additional synergy between preamp and amp. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a demo model as these babies are almost indestructible.

Ken

[raidho]

Hi Ken,

my dealer say me that the Xp30 is the best for the price.

sure the Xp30 is a perfect match with the Xa Pass power ampli.....but a tube preampli can give a good sound!
purchase in a Mc without a test with Pass ampli is reallly a no sense action.

I do that AR REF5se have a good sound with the Pass-> better from the Xp30 I dont konw!

the Mc2500 Mc can be a alternative but the sinergie with Pass is a mistery!

Nagra Jazz / PL L / EAR ......???


My Xp20 is not bad...sure another pre can give me too satisfaction: what for one?

before the Xp30 you have listen others pre?

Bey Onar

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by raidho

Hi Ken,

my dealer say me that the Xp30 is the best for the price.

sure the Xp30 is a perfect match with the Xa Pass power ampli.....but a tube preampli can give a good sound!
purchase in a Mc without a test with Pass ampli is reallly a no sense action.

I do that AR REF5se have a good sound with the Pass-> better from the Xp30 I dont konw!

the Mc2500 Mc can be a alternative but the sinergie with Pass is a mistery!

Nagra Jazz / PL L / EAR ......???


My Xp20 is not bad...sure another pre can give me too satisfaction: what for one?

before the Xp30 you have listen others pre?

Bey Onar

Omar,

I have auditioned the ARC Ref5se, Mc2500 and XP-20 but only the XP-20 with the XA-100.5. I feel the difference in smoothness and ease between the XP-20 and XP-30 is significant. I know there have been several here on AA that have successfully used the ARC Ref5se with the Pass XA.5 amps. It is a great sounding preamp so it will probably sound excellent. I have no idea about the Mc2500 with the Pass XA amps.

Ken

[Mikeoz]

Originally Posted by PlanarSpeakerFan

Omar,

I have auditioned the ARC Ref5se, Mc2500 and XP-20 but only the XP-20 with the XA-100.5. I feel the difference in smoothness and ease between the XP-20 and XP-30 is significant. I know there have been several here on AA that have successfully used the ARC Ref5se with the Pass XA.5 amps. It is a great sounding preamp so it will probably sound excellent. I have no idea about the Mc2500 with the Pass XA amps.

Ken

How does the Ref5se compare with XP20 ? Did you compare them back to back ?