PLEASE match Advice Pass Labs X350.5 (20k) to Hovland HP-100 (2500ohms) Miss-match ???


GUYS / GALS NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE!

A friend said this preamp is outstanding and will sound great with Pass Labs amps and to not get caught up in the specs but the measurements say different.

Pass Labs X350.5 amplifier with input Impedance 30k ohms Balanced or 20k ohms Single ended* 
(*source Pass Labs Manual)  

Hovland HP-100 source impedance 2500ohms* 
(*source Stereophile) 

Guys / Gals, can I used my Pass Labs X350.5 amp with Hovland HP-100 preamp? Has anyone used Pass amps with Hovland pre's. I will be using Magico S5 Speakers and Bricasti M1SE DAC but want it to sound the best it can. Should I just stick with the Aesthetix Calypso pre I was leaning toward before my gut said to go for the Hovland HP-100

Hovland HP-100 Preamplifier: * Output impedance: approximately 2500 ohms or according to Atkinson, Hovland HP-100 (2500ohms) its source impedance was high at 2.4k ohms, rising to 4.3k ohms at 20Hz. The partnering power amplifier would best have an input impedance of at least 47k ohms if the bass is not to sound lean*. The Pass Labs doesn't meet the x10 requirement it is supposed to but it is sort of close when looking at it. What do you guys think? I am not sure what to do but you guys will know what to do?

Stereophile: Its input impedance was a usefully high 100k ohms in the midrange and bass, with just a small reduction to a still-high 86k ohms at 20kHz. Despite the claim that the HP-100 uses a cathode follower output stage, its source impedance was high at 2.4k ohms, rising to 4.3k ohms at 20Hz. The partnering power amplifier would best have an input impedance of at least 47k ohms if the bass is not to sound lean.

Read more at https://www.stereophile.com/content/hovland-hp-100-preamplifier-measurements#YZXZfGLbbL2COkLR.99 https://www.stereophile.com/content/hovland-hp-100-preamplifier-measurements#YZXZfGLbbL2COkLR.99
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Jmcgrogan2 - thank you so much - super helpful - I'm actually pretty bummed - should say super bummed - got my Magico S5 set up and I mean everyone says how incredible they are - I have a first rate source - Bricasti M1SE - first rate amp - Pass Labs X350.5 which is known to be a pretty warm amp - HiDiamond D8 Speaker Cables which are not Nordost Oden but very nice copper cables and quite compitant, Verestarr Grand Illusion Signature IC's which are also very nice and even a bit warm and these Magico's are burning a whole right through my head like a lazier beam. I've been setting them up and measuring and tweaking and they are giving me a royal head ache? How can this be? These are top rate speakers? They make me want to buy a Cary preamp and CJ tube amp and get Cardas Golden Cross Cable Full Loom? Which I can't do and I'm sure would sound like crap? Even my wife said these don't sound as nice as your other speakers? Any advice? Maybe my bran needs to adjust but there is going to be some serious adjustment- my last speakers were total opposite of laid back - they were ultra revealing but I wasn't expecting this? Bummed to the extream but also hoping a tube pre and maybe a cable change can get these to settle down?? Maybe need to be driven a while also? Just back from Magico and had some service so maybe some new parts or something needs to break in?? 


Well Magico speakers have a reputation for being very revealing speakers.
I am familiar with your amp, and yes it is known to be a warmer sounding amp.
I am not familiar with your source though. Perhaps you may be better off with a tubed DAC, like a Lampizator.

Then again, maybe there is nothing you can do to ever make the Magico's work for you. You are at a fork in the road. Should you try a warm tube preamp and warmer cables to help tame the Magico highs?
Or just cut bait and sell the S5's now?

I wouldn't make an impulsive decision, think about it for a while.
A Cary/CJ preamp and some Purist Audio or Kubala Sosna cables could save the S5's. However, if they do not, then you may need to go further and try a tubed DAC too.

I have a friend who loves his S5 Mk II's. He is using them with Vitus CDP and electronics, and Jorma Prime cables.

Good luck,
John
I'm not quite following what are the characteristics of the S5 that you don't like. A multi-driver box speaker will never sound like a single-driver full range speaker. Completely different sound texture, detail, imaging, etc., etc. I think your brain/ears are tuned for a different sound and you either need to wait until they adjust or just upgrade along that type/design speakers. Just something to think about before you start going down a rabbit hole and begin an endless chase for perfection.
@fsmithjack

Give it time for you to enjoy the new sound. As I alluded to earlier - a Lowther full range whizzer cone driver sounds nothing like a modern highly engineered speaker like Magico S5. It may take time to adjust your expectations and appreciate all the lazer accuracy of the S5.

The only concern I would have with the older version S5 is the tweeter - this compresses terribly above 90dB SPL and will definitely sound dull and harsh. So try listening at lower levels if you have been trying them out at loud level.
Hey guys - I have an update - I updated my setup advice post and wanted to share with you guys as well:

  UPDATE:

Ok so I am trying out some different - well matching cables tonight guys! Psyched !!!

My local Magico dealer - the great folks at Goodwin Audio in Waltham, Ma are letting me try out some Kubala-Sosna Expression Speaker Cables and a pair of Balanced Interconnects tonight.

I am pretty excited about this. They tell me they have used Kubala-Sosna in their demo rooms with Magico and used these exact cables with S5's in the past and they know for sure they are a good match so this gets to help reduce some variables here which is awesome!

I will try these tonight and update you guys. So hope they help!
 
Also, if these don't do the trick or at least help go in the right directio Goodwin will send out a Magico guy to come over my house and check everything out and help me with set up and listen for themselves to help figure out what the problem/s are, offer me some ideas and help me out.

How are awesome are these guys? I couldn't afford to buy new Magico's from them but I can buy some cables and pay them for their service to help me so I am pretty excited. They have been awesome! This is a great dealer and I am very thankful. They as well as you guys have really reduced my audio anxiety - well for now anyways :)

I'll keep you posted. Too bad I can add pics on here?