2. amps-preamps
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Mixed Brand Pre-Amp Power Amp Pairings that Work

I am thinking of and starting from scratch and revamping my pre-amp to power amp chain. I know that the performance of these two elements will be tightly coupled, so they need to match.

I suppose the easiest thing for me to do would likely be to stick with one brand (potentially even an integrated) and assume that they have optimally paired their own components to work well together. But even if I ended up getting pre- and power from one brand, I would want to do some thinking about the best pairing.

I would love to hear from folks here with more experience than me with off brand pairings. What worked? What didn't? All thoughts are much appreciated

saulh
mazian's avatar
mazian
406 posts
 

Aesthetix Calypso and EAR 534 work very well together.

yyzsantabarbara
4,878 posts
 

 CODA 07x preamp + KRELL Duo 175XD what I use now.

The Benchmark LA4 + KRELL Duo 175XD is superb though I no longer use it due to being short 1 connection. 

I sold my CODA #8 but ANY preamp + amp combos of the following 4 items is great,

Benchmark LA4 preamp, Benchmark AHB2 amp, CODA 07x preamp, and CODA #8 amp

 

 

 

wolf_garcia
6,708 posts
 

An original version Schiit Freya 9 with NOS GE tubes into a Pass Labs XA-25. Yeah man. Yeah. That's right...

headphonedreams
527 posts
 

I remember that Jay's Audio Lab mentioned this a while ago. His take was that everyone should start with the same brand since that will work. Then you can try to switch one part and listen if the sound improves. This means borrowing amps or buying but being prepared to sell directly if it does not improve things.may have been for high end amps but it is an interesting idea.

gryphongryph
378 posts
 

Impedance matching and voltage output can be tricky. My

Supratek Cabernet pre has very high output and makes finding power amps

a bit difficult especially if one is looking for class A power amps.

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