2. amps-preamps
  3. 1067358187

Pre/power Amp Advice

I'm currently running Arcam FMJ A22/P25 bi-amped into Paradigm speakers. I'd like to upgrade to a separate preamp and am considering the following preamp/amp brand pairs:

Musical Fidelity A308 / A308CR
Bryston BP25 / 3BSST or 4BSST
Pass Labs X2.5 / X150 or X250
Innersound iPre / ESL300
Arcam FMJ C30 / FMJ P35 (not sure if the C30 is available yet, and I could always keep the P25)

Does anyone have any recommendations of what to do? I understand that some of the price points are incompatible, in which case I would probably investigate used, instead of new.

I really appreciate any input.
ruffway
jshaw1004
53 posts
 
Bhouser:
Sorry about the confusion. Yes, in my opinion, Pass Labs should belong to a higher league to the others from the list.
bhouser
112 posts
 
Tx, Jshaw004 ...
gogamecocks
37 posts
 
Buying Pass equipment is always a sound decision. I use an Aleph P preamp with a X250 power amp. I wouldn't trade it except for more Pass gear.
ruffway OP
2 posts
 
Thanks to everyone who posted! Pass Labs seems to have quite a reputation. As always, listening will make the decision easier. I also decided to listen to some new speakers recently with comparable equipment...JM Labs Electra 926's...I'm thinking maybe speakers are what I really need first.
ritteri
223 posts
 
Pass Labs, Mmmmmmmmmmm! Id actually go with the Basic X2.5 and a pair of Used Aleph monoblocks if you can find em. Either that or wait for the new XA160.
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