2. amps-preamps
  3. 1274026244

Best balanced tube preamp for NHT XD System?

I'm hoping to receive some guidance on the best tube preamp for a NHT XD 2.1 (hopefully soon to be 2.2) setup. I'm presently using a Parasound JC2 and am mostly pleased. The Parasound is fed exclusively by a Benchmark DAC1. The sound is wonderful, but slightly on the "clinical" (as opposed to "warm") end of the sound spectrum. I'm hoping that the tubes can solve the problem. I've read a single (highly favorable) review of someone who matched the Cary SLP 03 with an XD setup, but the reviews for this preamp are scarce and somewhat mixed. I have a less-than-ideal Sunfire Classic Vacuum Tube preamp that needs to be refurbished and would prefer to go another route. Finally, and as a reminder, I would also prefer XLR balanced in and out.
teaman
daverz
487 posts
 
I used a Rogue 99 Magnum and a BAT 3iX with the Xd. I think the BAT worked very well, but ultimately there wasn't enough warmth in the upper midrange (particularly massed violins) for my taste.

I've heard from others who had very good results by replacing the Xd processor with a DEQX unit, but you'll also need two stereo amps for this. However, this would give you a lot of flexibility in "tuning" the sound of the speakers. See the replies to my review at audioasylum. Also, you might want to wait until you have the second Xdw as apparently that can affect the sound a lot.
Post removed 
daverz
487 posts
 
As Bob says, the input impedance of the XdA is 10k Ohms. The BAT 3iX I mentioned specifies a minimum input impedance spec for a mated amp as 10k Ohms. My Bryston has the same input impedance (10k Ohms/phase for balanced input), and I know it sounds too lean with the BAT. Which makes me think that I was *not* getting optimal results with the BAT+Xd combination, and I have to take back the recommendation. Probably best to stick with an SS pre-amp with low output impedance for the Xd.
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