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Pass amp paired with audio research pre?

 Wondering if anyone has had experience matching a pass labs amp with an audio research preamp. Do they make a good combination?  Thinking  about audio research reference 5SE matched to one of the X series pass amps. I have Harbeth 401.2 speakers...kind regards 
128x128fanotunes
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fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
Thank you for the response!

boring on rock? Audio research can seem a bit thread bare sometimes. Is that what you’re referring to?
wlutke
733 posts
 
boring on rock? Audio research can seem a bit thread bare sometimes. Is that what you’re referring to?
No.  Too laid back.  I use a REL s/5 to fill in the bass.  
fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
Gotcha. Attributed to amp or preamp?
wlutke
733 posts
 
Definitely the pre.  I'm using a Herron VTSP 360 now.  Only about 30 hours in and things are sooo involving.  The Xa-25 is super transparent. 
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georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Pass amp paired with audio research pre?

 Wondering if anyone has had experience matching a pass labs amp with an audio research preamp. Do they make a good combination?
I think it will work great, just make sure the "output impedance" of the AR preamp is at least 10 x lower than the "input impedance" of the Pass amp. (Some Pass amp can be too low for many pre's) .

Cheers George
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