Thanks much for your comments. They will definitely prompt some additional caution and thought on my part.
Regarding point (1): I originally was directed to the Conrad Johnson GAT and ARC Ref 10 (12 db of gain) by a representative of at Pass as a preamps with good synergy, but I didn't address the digital source with him. I will now. Thanks.
I have been aware of the GAT's 26 db gain and have wondered about this issue but given the Pass XA200.5's fairly modest 26 db, I thought it might even be to my advantaged with the tough Magico Impedance curve. But your right, the MSB DAC outputs 3.6 volts single ended and should be considered. Regarding gain adjustment, I do not want to attenuate through the MSB even though they have an excellent unity gain buffer stage. When I am going to attenuate I would prefer my nonlinear steps be second harmonic...ergo the GAT or Ref 10.
As an aside, this review of the GAT used the Pass XA200.5 as one of the amps with great success.
http://www.tonepublications.com/review/conrad-johnson-gat-preamplifier/
Regarding point (2), of course mine was a relative point being made to distinguish between stated Max Currents of both amps for comparative purposes only (i.e., they are fairly similar). It was not meant to confuse instantaneous Max Current with operating load, FLA or otherwise.
Sorry about the confusion and thanks again for your help.
Regarding point (1): I originally was directed to the Conrad Johnson GAT and ARC Ref 10 (12 db of gain) by a representative of at Pass as a preamps with good synergy, but I didn't address the digital source with him. I will now. Thanks.
I have been aware of the GAT's 26 db gain and have wondered about this issue but given the Pass XA200.5's fairly modest 26 db, I thought it might even be to my advantaged with the tough Magico Impedance curve. But your right, the MSB DAC outputs 3.6 volts single ended and should be considered. Regarding gain adjustment, I do not want to attenuate through the MSB even though they have an excellent unity gain buffer stage. When I am going to attenuate I would prefer my nonlinear steps be second harmonic...ergo the GAT or Ref 10.
As an aside, this review of the GAT used the Pass XA200.5 as one of the amps with great success.
http://www.tonepublications.com/review/conrad-johnson-gat-preamplifier/
Regarding point (2), of course mine was a relative point being made to distinguish between stated Max Currents of both amps for comparative purposes only (i.e., they are fairly similar). It was not meant to confuse instantaneous Max Current with operating load, FLA or otherwise.
Sorry about the confusion and thanks again for your help.