Budget? What kind of sonics are you trying to achieve? If you're interested in a tube pre I will note that I have my Pass XA30.8 paired with a VAC Ren MKV linestage. Great synergy with a smooth, liquid tubey Class A sound. With it's transformer-coupled outputs and fully differentially balanced circuit the VAC compliments the balanced design of the Pass amp very nicely. It's really about what sound you're trying to achieve.
Itching to upgrade preamp...
I'm thinking the preamp might be the weak link at this point... Today I'm using a Pass X0.2 preamp.
The rest of the setup:
Pass XA60.5
Audio Physic Avanti III
PS Audio DirectStream Sr (with bridge2)
PS Audio PerfectWave transport
All interconnects are Cardas Clear XLR. Speaker cables are Cardas Clear Beyond. Power cords are Cardas Clear to everything except amps, which is Clear Beyond. All power is through a PS Audio PP12.
I'm thinking i may want to try a tube preamp with this... although I'm open to solid state as well
The rest of the setup:
Pass XA60.5
Audio Physic Avanti III
PS Audio DirectStream Sr (with bridge2)
PS Audio PerfectWave transport
All interconnects are Cardas Clear XLR. Speaker cables are Cardas Clear Beyond. Power cords are Cardas Clear to everything except amps, which is Clear Beyond. All power is through a PS Audio PP12.
I'm thinking i may want to try a tube preamp with this... although I'm open to solid state as well
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- 27 posts total
Budget is pretty open. I would like to keep it at $5k (plus the trade in value of the X0.2), but a bit more is not out of the question. I'd rather spend money once on good stuff that will stay. The VAC sounds like an interesting option! I do like the overall sound right now, but it's lacking a bit in depth (as in depth of soundstage). The width is decent, although not perfect. |
audiojan OP I would go direct, as it’s the most transparent, dynamic way with no coloration distortions from any preamp. You can connect direct to the XA-60.5 using "balanced" interconnect. And the PSA DirectStream Sr has nearly 3v output!! and Pass XA only needs 1.1v for full wattage output, as you can see you have too much gain already!! without adding even more from an active preamp as well. From PS AudioCheers George |
- 27 posts total