2. amps-preamps
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SS balanced preamplifier for Krell FPB 400cx

Currently my system is,

Sony DVD player/Laptop Music Server
Mark Levinson 360S DAC
Balanced Audio Technology VK-3iX Preamplifier
Krell FPB 400cx Amplifier
Focal JmLabs Electra 926 Speakers
Balanced Audioquest cables

I am extremely happy except sometimes I feel that some speed and resolution is lacking. Because I have listened to other components performed flawlessly at other places, I believe tube preamplifier is the limiting factor. I have decided to experiment with balanced solid state preamplifier and currently considering used Mark Levinson 380s, Pass Labs X1 or Ayre K-5xe.

Kindly write your opinions.

Regards,

Haroon
haroon
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
The Fire preamp.
haroon OP
16 posts
 
Thanks all.

Stevecham, Krell KCT will be ideal but it is out of my price range which is less or more $2,500.

Rwwear, I have heared stories that Pass remote is not user friendly, however, the same stories also praised Pass sound as being open and dynamic.

Muralman1, the H2O Fire Preamplifier is not a balanced design.

Please more opinions on Mark Levinson 380s, Pass Labs X1 or Ayre K-5xe!

Regards
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Haroon, have you looked inside the Fire? If not, how can you say it is not a balanced design?
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
I have owned the Ayre K-1xe with my krell amps. I have also heard the Ayre K-5xe with krell amps at thiel. Both work very well with the krell amps.
haroon OP
16 posts
 
Muralman1, this is off topic discussion. However, I went to the website of H2O Fire Preamplifier and checked the specifications before I posted the comments. The preamplifier doesn't have XLR inputs/outputs. I believe you intend to say that some preamplifiers do have XLR inputs/outputs but they do not have balanced circuitry and vice versa.

Please more opinions on Mark Levinson 380s, Pass Labs X1 or Ayre K-5xe!
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