2. amps-preamps
  3. 177544-172731

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
rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
278 posts
 

Allnic L8000DHT with Pass XA60.8 on Mangepan 3.7i's.  Amazing but the input sensitivity of the Pass is 1.1V to full output.  I ordered a second set of low output DHT tubes but still can hardly get to 12 oclock on the attenuator.  Fortunately the Allnic has a constant impedance attenuator so it doesnt need to get wide open to sound its best.

I would have paid more attention to the pre-amp output and sensitivity of the amp if I had known to.  The Allnic is my forever pre-amp,  I am not looking to change the Pass amps at this time but if I do I will look for a higher input sensitivity like 2.6 volts.

 

som
75 posts
 

Audio Research pre into Pass Labs X series works well 

axeis1
293 posts
 

I also found preamp power amp from same company to be optimal. Levinson no.26 with a Levinson no.23.5 , Levinson no. 380s with no.332 . Audio Research LS 2B with ARC Classic 120’s , Krell KRC 3 with Krell KSA 100s. Now a days I use an Aesthetix Mimas. Sounds great

drvinyl01's avatar
drvinyl01
34 posts
 

No

 

 

robshaw
249 posts
 

Finally, Just received my new ATI 6002 AMP, ( powerful and dynamic and detailed) It is married to my Benchmark line amp the LA-4,  through a Benchmark DAC 3B into Tekton Double Impacts    R & R never sounded so dynamic!!!!!   7 year warranty on Amp and 5 on LA-4, piece of mind. You can actually talk to a human on the phone if need be at both places!!!!

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