Preamp recommendations for Pass Labs Aleph 30 amp

I used an Aleph 3 for years. Strangely enough I tried it with an X2 pre and it sounded terrible, with uncorrectable hum, have'nt a clue why. After much searching I settled on a Conrad Johnson Prem 17Ls, a magical combination. Many wiser heads than mine have advocated a valve pre with SS power amp The Premier 17 may be overkill. but CJ do an axcellent cheaper range of"PV" Pre amps, thats where I would go.

David12,

Why would a Pass pre be a mismatch?

I don't know much about CJ's Premier line compared to their PV. Can you enlighten me. I don't wan't to soften dynamics and darken the sound like the Cary/AES tube pre did. I love great dynamics for large scale music.

Mike

Mike, I have'nt a clue why the X2 was'nt a match, it was a complete mystery to me and the helpful dealer. It produced an audible hum even with the volume at zero. I tried different cables, supports, I even tried with a friends Aleph 5, same hum. Pass Labs could'nt explain either. I am not saying you would have the same problem at all.
As for the CJ 17, no tube wooliness at all, detailed, but not harsh, the expected great tube midrange, but good base too. Also the widest soundstage I've heard with the Aleph 3. I loved that amp for it's detail and sweet tone, but it does'nt throw a very wide stage. I have listened to a number of tube pre's and am a commited CJ fan. IMHO you will find it hard to beat under reference grade pre's, plus they are reliable and the firm give excellent after sale service. If you can. give the combo an audition somewhere, I think you will be impressed. best wishes

Thanks David12

I had a BAT with mine - even Steve from BAT thinks that BAT and Pass run well together. The Pass is a 2-stage device while the BAT preamps are 1-stage. That combined with a balanced connection really worked sounded "oraganic".