Amp matching for Klipsch Forte III

@funthings
Guess i/we should have not assumed you had not already tried others.  What tubes are you using in your current PL EVO 300 preamp now...

Are they the original stock ones or - ?

Thanks decooney, the tubes are stock. 

I'm using a Sophia Electric Baby with my Forte III's, I find it to be an excellent pairing. 

@funthings
08-29-2020 1:33pm
Thanks decooney, the tubes are stock.

@funthings
If you decide to pair your PL EVO 300 preamp with the Pass XA-25, doing some checking, the current model from uncle Kevy has six 12AU7 tube across the front. The center two are the input tubes, just start with those.  

There is some history with upscale replacing these two center inputs with CIFT 12AU7 for some customers on upgrade requests. They are just okay to me, not the best, all circuit dependent of course. You can just start with those two center ones first for the most impactful change. Depending on what changes you are looking for, brighter/detailed, softer/more laid back, etc.

Upscale has a fairly sporadic stock of U7s, running lower each year. Still some good stuff out there, depending on who you source good tubes from - any of the top5 dealers in the USA. Fwiw, I’ve tried over 20 different/brand variations of vintage U7s (on different amps/preamps) and most of the new issue stuff too. Lots of options for you to choose from and they all do sound different from one u7 to the next. Try that Evo 300 with the XA-25 for sure!

Thanks, I ordered a pair of the Brimars to try. I've enjoyed it with the stock tubes. Will probably get the Forte IIIs in the next couple of weeks.