2. amps-preamps
  3. 163964-16222

First Watt SIT-3 preamp pairing advice

Hi There,

I have Nelson Pass's First Watt SIT-3 power amplifier. I am using a ~15 year old VAC (Valve Amplification Company) Standard Preamplifier with NOS Telefunken 12AU7 and 12AX7 tubes for the 2 stages. I am looking to upgrade the preamp and am considering the Passlab XP-12 or the Linear Tube Audio MicroZotl MZ3 preamp. My impression is that both preamps are fairly popular when pairing with First Watt amps. Anyone here have paired both these preamps with the SIT-3 and can provide impressions that might help me decide? If there is 3rd option that you like very much, I am all ears too. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Andrew
longinc
nordicnorm
313 posts
 
+1 for Don Sachs linestage.
vinpic
34 posts
 
I have the mz2, a great preamp overall but not capable of driving the sit3 to its full splendor.  Dynamic range & bass mgmt arr simply not as good as higher gain pre-amps.  In my stable the VRossi L2i does a great job, the preamp section of a Lumin or Mola Mola dac is amazing as well (the latter set @6V)
longinc OP
35 posts
 
Hi @vinpic,

Thanks for your input on the the MZ2 preamp. What speakers were you using when you had the MZ2+SIT3 in your system?

Andrew
longinc OP
35 posts
 
Thanks @nordicnorm and @bobandcindy101 for your suggestions!
vinpic
34 posts
 
Hi Longinc - using Cube Audio Nenuphars 92db 
a marriage in heaven with the sit3 🍾

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