2. amps-preamps
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Tube preamp choice to upgrade a Pass Labs X1

Hi Guys,

I own a Pass Labs X1 preamp to drive my Parasound Halos JC1s and than my Thiel 2.4 .. telling the truth I'm very happy about my preamp choice.
A friend of mine just bought two Pass Labs XA100 monoblock and continues to ask me to sell my X1 to match his new amps.
I'm not compelled or forced to sell him my preamp .. but I could accept this idea only if I find a Tube Preamp (line) as good as the Pass X1 .. not less good obviously!
Possibly without add lotsa money on the change
Why tubes?
Having had the solid state X1 for some time now it would be interesting to listen my hi-fi by tubes just to try.

Any good suggestion regarding the pre-owned market too?

Thanks in advance to EveryOne for suggestions/opinions

Gabriele
128x128curio
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
I hold the First Sound Deluxe units in high regard.Very straight forward and easy to tube-roll.one per channel.Sound is very open and character is easily heard when tube changes are made.
chewy
7 posts
 
Aesthetix Calypso is a real nice line stage seen one on a-gon yesterday or the day before $2500.I love mine and this thing really is class a all the way!!!!
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
I would recommend the ARC Ref. 3 preamp. I think it is the best preamp that ARC has ever built. (Unlike its predecessor, the Ref. 2, there is virtually no tube noise.) It is a very neutral preamp, with a nice touch of that tube bloom. It has a remote which has more features than you'll probably ever need. (I'm a bit jealous about the remote actually , as my Ayre K-1xe has a very basic remote that only controls volume/mute).

There is one for sale here on Audiogon for a VERY good price. (I have no clue who is selling it, but I noticed this, as I was somewhat tempted, but I have no spare cash at the moment.)

ARE Ref. 3 for sale here on Audiogon

Good Luck in your search!
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