Would love to hear from anyone that has tried mating Pass Labs Amps with Simaudio Preamps

ddafoe,
I think I remember reading somewhere about your combo which was helpful so thanks for the feedback.

The P8 and 740P are probably quite similar and I know the 250.5 and 350.5 are identical other than the extra power. 

I love my Pass amp but I keep reading how much Simaudio is one of those brands that really shines with matching pre/amp to one another. I know Pass amps match so well with many preamps.

The reason for my post is been kicking around the idea of trying the Moon 400 monos. Again, I love my Pass amp but wondering if the Sim combo might be a bit more transparent and benefit with a Sim-Sim combo.

The problem with this is that the Pass Labs X350.5 is so very good its hard to think there is something better but we all know how that goes.

Would love to hear from as many folks as possible and thanks for your input for sure...  

I went for it and bought the Simaudio Moon Evolution P-8 Preamp and I am very impressed.

I was sort of worried as I sold my Mark Levinson No.326s and realized after removing it that my system was better without it.

Not a knock on the No.326s really and more of a compliment to my Bricasti M1SE's volume control.

That said I had not needed to worry about the Simaudio Moon Evolution P-8 Preamp as it is a great addition. Best preamp I have ever owned and I've had a fair share of them. I am very impressed with Simaudio. It is so quiet and so vivid and so tight yet it has some sheen and warmth to is. Very nice add. I bought a Kubala-Sosna Emotion Power Cable for it which I should have soon that I am hoping is a nice match. Thanks for the feedback from those that shared.  

fsmithjack
are you still enjoying the Pass Labs/Simaudio combo?
Happy Listening!

Yes I love them both. 

I use to use my Mark Levinson No.326s preamp for a while and once in a while I would unplug it and run my Bricasti M1SE direct to my amp.

Although overall I always ended up preferring my system with the Levinson in, I always appreciated the difference and enjoyed the more direct sound of my M1SE for what it was. I liked it and could have lived with just my Bricasti M1SE as its a great sounding unit on it own. Many prefer it on its own.

That is not the case at all with my Simaudio Moon Evolution P-8 Preamp. It is a huge difference and taking this preamp out my system just gives up way too much and my system loses just too much and I just plug it right back in.

With the Simaudio Moon Evolution P-8 Preamp that directness I use to enjoy before running my Bricasti direct was mitigated by the P-8 as it is such a quiet and seamless pre and that posses that directness on it own. Wasn't expecting that. When removing it I lose resolution and transparency which is odd as that was never case before but the most amazing effect is the change in sound stage. 

Not only is the size and depth much better but its the precision combined with the huge size and depth that makes it a nonstarter. I just have to have it. This is a little older pre but honestly I can't believe how good it in my system at least.  

As far as the Pass Labs the X250.8 is my opinion this also has been a sizable upgrade over my X350.5 and I loved my X350.5.

At normal and even lower levels the .8 amp is more dynamic and has more jump and pop and is more transparent and again with better resolution. It gives up some warmth and roundness which was great in the .5 but the .8 IMO is just a flat out better amp and everything is just closer to the source.

I was thinking with my new Magico S5 MK II on the way that I might want a bit more power 250/500 of the 250.8 so have been thinking about that but its hard because I really like this amp.

I have a strong offer to trade my Pass and some cash for a pair of Aesthetix Atlas Signature monoblocks which offer 300/600 that I have been considering but I am not sure I will be able to pull the trigger. I love the Pass sound.

Anyone ever hear these? I would like 600/700 4ohm watts for my new Magico S5 MK II that should be in 3 weeks but just not sure. 

   

fsmithjackThank You for the update on your system.
Happy Listening!