Given my AMP and DAC, which preamp?

I had the X-250 with an Audio Logic DAC. I tried a ton of other DAC and preamp combinations including the X-1 preamp. The X-1 is one of the best SS preamps on the market. That being said, the X-1 does not sound like a tube preamp. The tube preamps I tried had a different presentation in the mid range, but some lost the dynamics, bass slam and extention of the X-1. AS always, presonal preference and sonic trade offs. I will say that the Tom Evans Vibe was a excellent sounding preamp with the X-250 as was the Sonic Euphoria passive preamp. Could have lived with either one for a long time. There was VIbe selling on Agon a few days back for dirt cheap, it is that good (not mine).

Hope this was helpful, email me with any questions.

Happy Listening.

How about a modded Squeezebox II directly into the Dodson (nice DAC BTW). No need for a preamp unless you have something else to plug in.

Enjoy,
Bob

Pardales, if you look at my system I run Pass LabsX-350.5 with Threshold SA-1 monoblocks to bi-amp MG20r's. So, I'm a big fun of Nelson Pass's designs. I would suggest you audition either a Placette passive line stage at $1500.00 or the reference dual mono active linestage at $4500.00. They both sound great with Pass gear and Guy Hammel, the owner and designer, is a gentleman and a pleasure to deal with. Both linestages are outstanding and great bargains at there price breaks. I auditioned over seven pre-amps, both tube/solid state, and thought the Placette active was the best for my ear's. It replaced a reference ML-32 in my system that cost almost $10000.00 more! I did not change for $ reasons, but because the Placette sonicly out performed the ML-32, along with the other pre-amps I auditioned. You order directly from Guy and get a 30 day audition time period, with full return minus shipping if you don't keep the piece. Since, there's no middleman, the prices of his pre-amps are true bargains, all the money goes into design and quality parts.