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
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
300W RMS !
for any application.

 Those little baby amps look, sound nice, but will clip at every crescendo and drum solo!
coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor
383 posts
 
I have the Supratek Sauvignon and a LTA MZ2, I have used both with my Pass XA25. The LTA is the clear winner in this combination.
longinc OP
35 posts
 
Thanks @vinpic! Your notes are super helpful - thanks for sharing. And very nice speakers you have there!
longinc OP
35 posts
 
@coachpoconnor - thanks sharing your comparison. Why is the LTA the clear winner in your comparison of the 2 preamps?
mesch
3,530 posts
 
Check out Aric Audio. Aric builds a a couple great 6sn7 tube preamps. Variable gain output up to 20 dB. Call him and discuss your needs.
More to discover