2. amps-preamps
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pass x250.5/xp10VSmcintosh MA7000VSClasse cap2100

Thoughts suggestions on these 3 pieces? I listen to a very wide variety of music from classical/synth, classic rock, country, to 80s hair band stuff/modern metal. Sound quality/soundstaging, overall build quality/longevity is most important. Would like to reach concert/reference levels when called upon. After demoing many speakers ive also come down to 3 choices. Dynaudio focus 340, paradigms signature S6 version3, or b&w 803D. Let me know what you think. Speakers or electronics. The source would likely go with the electronics (mcintosh mcd501/301, classe cdp 201, or for pass Id consider doing a macintosh computer/dac. Any ideas thoughts are welcome. Subs will be be 2x JL F110 or possibly 112. Thanks again guys!!
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6 responses Add your response
abrew19
146 posts
 
W7 to answer your question, I have some tube preamps (Audio Research LS-16mkII and Cary SLP-98 F1) and an older Forte solid state preamp that I rotate in an out. The Forte provides by far superior bass performance over the tube units, and I am sure that the XP-10 would be a step up from my Forte. Go for it! If you need to buy the XP-10 at the same time, you might want to consider one of their fine integrated amps which receive excellent reviews. Enjoy...
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Not perfect advice here, but I have compared a Pass X250.5 to a MC402 and the Pass killed the Mac. I actually ended up preferring an XA-30.5 to the X250.5 (by a considerable margin) even despite having speakers that people say shouldn't be driven by the 30.5 (Thiel 2.4s).
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
When I say not too much money, I mean $1000 or less.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Well, you can get high quality cd/sacd players for not too much money nowadays...so I would have both sacd/cd and computer audio.
w7_gsr's avatar
w7_gsr OP
5 posts
 
Nice! What preamp do you have? I was thinking the xp10. I know MANY people on here try to mix and match products, but ive always been a believer in symmetry and sticking with the same brand, in this case it would be the xp10. Unfortunately this leads to the next piece the source, Cds seem to be a dying breed so I would likely get a bryston bdp2 and a macintosh laptop.
abrew19
146 posts
 
I haven't heard those Macs or Classe, but for what it's worth, I love my x250.5 and I personally am not interested in upgrading unless it would be for a pair of Pass class A monoblocks (but my budget prevents that). I'm extremely satisfied with my x250.5.

For the types of music and listening preferences you listed, you cannot go wrong with the x250.5. Overall excellence, and absolutely incredible bass quality when paired with a good solid state preamp.

As for speaker recommendations, that is such a personal subjective choice that you really need to just listen to them yourself and decide. Good luck.
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