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Tube preamp for Pass Labs x150.5 Amp

I currently have a AES AE-3 DJH Preamplifier linking together my Metrum Hex DAC and Pass Labs x150.5 Amp. The Pass is such a neutral/warm amp, that the AES tube preamp is making the total sound too warm in my opinion. I'm thinking of replacing the preamp with something not as warm, but would still like to stay with a tube pre. What would you recammend as a tube pre that could still have that tube sound, but not as warm? I'd like to keep it under 2K used or new, and am considering the Red wine isabella. thoughts?
linaeum66
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,048 posts
 
FWIW the 6SN7 is a better sounding tube than the 6H30 or similar tubes like the 6DJ8/6922. Frame grid triodes as these are not designed for audio and so while being very linear are also microphonic- and its hard to find one that is not.

The 6SN7 was designed for audio and so is easier to find a non-microphonic example, in addition they are quite linear too.
dgarretson
2,608 posts
 
I have not heard an X-series Pass amp, but I'll vouch for the synergy of Atma-Sphere MP-1 preamp and XA-160.8 monoblocks. This combo is clean, neutral, and rich all at once.
oldears
386 posts
 
try to find a used Pass X1
oblgny's avatar
oblgny
848 posts
 
I just hooked up an Audio Research LS2 line stage to my X150.5 and I'm completely satisfied. Alas, my Rogue 66 Magnum preamp did not have balanced connections like the AR does, which I never experienced before. Still breaking in my Totem Hawks with this setup...
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