2. amps-preamps
  3. 172503-168388

Pass Labs XA25 without preamp (from a variable output source) vs INT25

Hi!

 

I just have a single source system (a DAC with a high quality variable output) so what would be the best aounding option? DAC direct to XA25 through the variable output or DAC with fixed output and an INT25?

Reading between lines it seems INT25 looses some transparency and gravitates to a warm sound compared to the very clean and transparent sound the XA25 provides. I love a transparent, rich and 3D sound but I don't want a lean sound. 


Anyone here uses the XA25 without preamp from a high quality variable output source?

 

Thanks!

 

 

joegt
andypandy
49 posts
 

Sound without a pre is only flat if your DAC has a crappy output stage. Buy a properly engineered DAC and that won’t be a problem.

+1 Most dacs today have ss output stages that are just as good if not better than your mega buck preamps, and defintetly better than tube preamps. Andy

amplifierdude
142 posts
 

+1. And if you want designer colouration, play around with DSP. Most audiophiles would turn their noses up at something like this:

But I dare them to try it

 

 

chorus
976 posts
 

My Experience- I had the XA25 with no Preamp-Ran thru the Oppo 205.

Loved it and shopped preamps with a tube. Decided the INT25-designed

to mate with each other-might be wisest so I moved up to the INT25.

I never felt the SQ improved with this move however.  I Added an AudioMirror

R2R DAC (with tubes) and fell in love again.

Bottom line- Use the XA25 sans pre if you can do it. 

Sorry I can not elaborate the differences as I sold one before receiving the 

other. (Rookie mistake)

joegt OP
8 posts
 

@avanti1960 Have you tried to drive the XA25 directly bypassing the Cary in yor system? I´d love to hear your comments if you try it. BTW I owned a SLP98 many years ago driving Cary 300SE monoblocks. Nice preamp but with awful sounding signal caps inside (oil1 caps). I replaced them with Hovland Musicaos and the sound improved tremendously in every possible area (transparency, detail, timbre, soundstage, bass control, etc)

 

Thanks!

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,306 posts
 

UPDATE: Ok, I listened for about an hour. I think the preamp is needed. (Mine is in the shop.) Why? The dimensionality of the soundstage is much reduced and there is a raw quality to some of the recordings where before there was a smoother and more liquid quality.

In short: I retract my earlier claim that it sounds good. With my relatively inexpensive streamer (but nice DAC), I still want my tube preamp back.

Also, it couldn't play above about 78 db.

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