Which preamp- Pass Labs X1 vs Cary SLP2002

I use a Pass Aleph P and an Accuphase amp to drive my Proac 3.8s. I like the P's variable gain adjustment. It also has more resolution and is quieter than the Air Tight and Rogue tube preamps I have used previously. Although I have heard that Proacs like tubes, I am considering a full class A amp over tubes for my next upgrade. You might also consider whether to go with balanced interconnects, the Pass is a fully balanced design.

I would recommend either the Cary or Conrad Johnson which is not on your short list but should be.

Chuck

I use the Pass Labs X1 preamplifier. It is very, very quiet, has terrific resolution and sweetness.

Dear Jill,

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the Cary and the Pass X350 are not a good match. The output impedance of the Cary is 440 ohm (single-ended); the single-ended input impedance of the Pass is 10 K ohm. In order to be a good match, the output impedance of the pre would hv to be 100 ohms or less -- even 200 ohms would not be too bad, but at 440 ohms into 10 k ohms, you'll get some loss of dynamics and some truncation of frequencies at the extremes.

Best,
Joe

Go with the X1 !
The output impedence of the x1 preamp is 200 ohms unbalanced, 750 ohms balanced. The x350 has a 22Kohm input on balanced.

I have owned pass labs aleph 2 amps, the aleph P, and the X1. The X1 is so far the best solid state preamp I have used. It has that rare sense of 'air' that I had previously only heard from a tube preamp. It matched beautifully with the aleph 2's. I have used several other preamps with the alephs, but none matched as well. In fact, I have never heard so much synergy from a matched component set.

It's also a great looking preamp.