Sound without a pre is only flat if your DAC has a crappy output stage. Buy a properly engineered DAC and that won't be a problem.
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!
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- 24 posts total
My Experience- I had the XA25 with no Preamp-Ran thru the Oppo 205. Loved it and shopped preamps with a tube. Decided the INT25-designed to mate with each other-might be wisest so I moved up to the INT25. I never felt the SQ improved with this move however. I Added an AudioMirror R2R DAC (with tubes) and fell in love again. Bottom line- Use the XA25 sans pre if you can do it. Sorry I can not elaborate the differences as I sold one before receiving the other. (Rookie mistake) |
@avanti1960 Have you tried to drive the XA25 directly bypassing the Cary in yor system? I´d love to hear your comments if you try it. BTW I owned a SLP98 many years ago driving Cary 300SE monoblocks. Nice preamp but with awful sounding signal caps inside (oil1 caps). I replaced them with Hovland Musicaos and the sound improved tremendously in every possible area (transparency, detail, timbre, soundstage, bass control, etc)
Thanks! |
- 24 posts total