2. amps-preamps
  3. 157819-1301

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
128x128audiojan
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
402 posts
 
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.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
audiojan OP
I’m thinking the preamp might be the weak link at this point... Today I’m using a Pass X0.2 preamp.

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 Audio
PS Audio DirectStream Sr Resolution perfect volume and balance controls

Designer Smith perfected a 100% bit-perfect volume and balance control that’s built into DirectStream, enabling users to control the output level when feeding directly into a power amplifier.

That the volume control is completely bit-perfect means there is no loss of resolution for any volume setting, a feature unique amongst the majority of DACS in the world today.

NB: The ability to eliminate the preamplifier in the system without any resolution loss is a major benefit to DirectStream’s outstanding musical performance.

Cheers George
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
977 posts
 
RP-7 comes in ~$5K
https://www.stereophile.com/content/rogue-audio-rp-7-line-preamplifier
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

PS audiojan OP:

Also to try what I posted above, try putting everything through the  PS Audio PP12  except for the XA60.5.

In every A/B experiment I've done with conditioners and power amps (especially Class-A) they always sound better direct into the mains.

As any conditioner will have some sort of series impedance and this is a no no for an amps power supply if it's to remain nice and stiff. 

Cheers George
oldears
386 posts
 
You have a fine system. The Pass X0.2 is a great preamp. If you just want to change call Wayne Colburn to see if you can get some synergy to the XA60.5 with the Pass X20 or later. Changing the X0.2 will not improve your imaging. I would suggest to redo your room setup and room treatment.
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