2. amps-preamps
  3. 1188084676

Pass Labs XA-160 vs Levinson 33H

I have a sneaky feeling that my beloved XA160 amps may not be the perfect match for my ARC Ref 3 preamp. I am also a little worried that I could use a tad more power though I am less worried about this than I am about the impedance match between my pre and amp.

Anyway, could anyone please let me know their thoughts on the 33H? How does it sound? I have read that Levinson can be cold and clinical. I love how my XA160 produces clean, organic music. I dont want to give this up. I am looking for feedback (good and bad) on the 33H. Any direct comparison between the Pass to the Levinson would be highly useful. Also, anyone using a REF 3 with the 33H?

Thanks in advance.
128x128tboooe
pbb
1,140 posts
 
Love it when a dealer opines! Strange that such posts appear. A grain of salt is recommeded.
pbb
1,140 posts
 
The amp is your brain? This comment makes no sense. Could you please elaborate?
schang's avatar
schang
20 posts
 
I noticed that you have the Usher speakers. You might consider the new Belles Monoblocks ( picture on the web site ). http://www.powermodules.com
The reviewer from Soundstage was raving about the Belles Combo when he heard from a local dealer in TX. http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/lector_cdp7t_mkiii.htm
pbb
1,140 posts
 
At least we have a level-headed comment here from Output555.

Why not go for a Tenor amp? At least you will have some nice wood to look at while going crazy over its sound.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I don't want to be categorical, but I think the amp/speaker interface is far more important than the preamp, not that preamps are not important - they are, but the power/current/and ability to drive a speakers impedance is critical, most noticeably in the ability to produce deep bass where impedance dips in some speakers will make some amps compeltely incapable of producing satisfyin bass. I would think that the amps mentioned could drive most any speaker - so not a problem. But driving a 10Kohm amp input impedance is a problem with most (not all) tube preamps. It would not suprise me if the ARC is not getting the best from your Pass, but I'm not sure what the ARC's output impedance is. WHat does ARC say about driving the Pass?
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