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
@soix about 8 feet. The speakers are well out in the room. If I move them further back towards the back wall, they loose the disappearing act that Audio Physic are famous for.
So I spent a bit of time yesterday with PrimaLuna EVO400 preamp and although decent, it just didn't add anything tangible. Maybe a bit of warmth, but the amps felt anemic with it. Not a good match. Also tested the EVO 400 amp with it and that doesn't agree with the AP Avanti III. They sounded glorious on my friends AP Virgo II's.

I'm guessing that I just need to try a few different pre's to get an idea of what works...
If you have a balanced line amp, I would go with a balanced preamp. The cables will perform better and the amplifier will too.