2. amps-preamps
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Published gain of the Pass X2.5, X1

On the Pass website, the published spec's say that the gain is 4db or 14db, depending, I guess, on some internal switch. Is the 4db option single ended class A, vs regular class A or class AB @14db? And I don't think it has to do with balanced vs unbalanced inputs. If it suits my needs, would it be better to go with the 4db gain and what benefits would this provide?
sjh32
sjh32 OP
46 posts
 
Thanks Bhouser,

Now it makes sense.
sjh32 OP
46 posts
 
Hey,

sounds like you own a Pass, am I wrong? If so, can you recommend it. I'm thinking of going tube instead, an Audio Reseach. I'm trying to achieve the best of both worlds by mating it with a SS amp.
bhouser
112 posts
 
I currently own Pass X-250 & X-3 amps, and will be receiving a new Pass X2.5 preamp tomorrow, actually.

I too have considered tubes in a preamp, but have decided to remain on the fully-balanced SS side since I am already there with the Pass amps, just for system synergy sake along with the points made above (impedance matching, gain settings, etc).

I don't know if all that really matters in the grand scheme, but I have no chance to audition comparable products in-home, so I try to avoid gambling too radically by using educated guesses gleaned from research of online reviews and conversations like this one. It's still a crap-shoot, as everyone hears things differently, but that's when you start to appreciate the Black Art that is involved in this horribly finicky (and expensive) hi-end audio world!

Sorry I couldn't give you any comparisons.
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