2. amps-preamps
  3. 187627-16670

Tube preamp for pass labs ?

I recently bought a brand new Pass Labs x250.8. It seems to be finally broke in after about 800 hours. I’m using a good preamp, the BAT VK-33se. I’m curious what other tube preamps others are using with this amp? 
one thing I did was bought inexpensive Wireworld stratus power cables on Sale for $116 shipped brand new for amp, preamp, dac, and server. They seem to have helped settle my system down quite a bit. I really like these inexpensive cords. 
but, again what tube preamps are you owners of the 250.8 using?

TIA for any info given. 
Starboard

starboard
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,256 posts
 

Audio Research tube preamps pair well with Pass amps. Depends on your budget. 

ghdprentice
7,098 posts
 

Audio Research for sure. I have run an ARC with Pass amps for decades, until a few years ago when I switched to Audio Research amps.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,938 posts
 

The BAT is excellent….. i would look elsewhere in the system for improvement….

cbrez
68 posts
 

While not running a Pass anywhere your wattage, I have a Linear Tube Audio microZOTL level 2 with my XA25. It’s a great combination to my ears. The LTA is not as warm sounding as some other tube preamps, but is dynamic, great soundstage, and very natural sounding overall. The class A Pass has a bit of warmth to it (besides thermal), so they mate very well in my system.

newwater
14 posts
 

I found after many tried. CAT SL1 mk3 Line Stage with upgraded caps & wiring. Still sounds as good as any, that’s why it’s still around and a winner! Pass needs a great tube preamp to hear its resolve. 

The next positive surprise and very musical with inner details are Allnic preamps  musical & smooth.  

 

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