2. amps-preamps
  3. 172503-168388

Pass Labs XA25 without preamp (from a variable output source) vs INT25

Hi!

 

I just have a single source system (a DAC with a high quality variable output) so what would be the best aounding option? DAC direct to XA25 through the variable output or DAC with fixed output and an INT25?

Reading between lines it seems INT25 looses some transparency and gravitates to a warm sound compared to the very clean and transparent sound the XA25 provides. I love a transparent, rich and 3D sound but I don't want a lean sound. 


Anyone here uses the XA25 without preamp from a high quality variable output source?

 

Thanks!

 

 

joegt
joegt OP
8 posts
 

Thanks!

I knew that thread. I have searching but I have very little info about using the XA25 without preamp. I´d love to hear from someone who tried the XA25 this way.

Thanks again!

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 

I'm trying it now. It works really well and is sounding excellent. Volume control via Apple Music for me.

joegt OP
8 posts
 

Have you compared the sound with and without preamp? If so, could you please elaborate the differences between both ways of use?

Thanks!

avanti1960
1,474 posts
 

running an xa25 with a very nice tube preamp. a solid, transparent dynamic linestage is by far the way to go for energy, blistering dynamics and soundstage.

many people grossly underestimate the contribution a top quality linestage can make.  

andypandy
49 posts
 

 

@joegt If you don’t need the extra gain, adding a preamp will give you extra noise, extra distortion (good or bad), less detail and separation, extra wiring, I’m sure there are others.

Going direct, if you have enough gain, and your source is low output impedance negates all of those negatives above. You "may" not like it as it "may" show up other problems a little more focused. Andy

 

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