2. amps-preamps
  3. 1284489158

I'm looking for a preamp to go with Emotiva XPA-2

I recently upgraded my amp to an Emotiva XPA_2, along with an OPPO BDP-83SE. I was informed that my Denon 3808 receiver would not do justice to the 2 channel Oppo. I borrowed a 'Little Dot' headphone amp and was blown away by the vast improvement over the Denon. I also tried the Emotiva USP-1 which was good for it's price, but I very much preferred the Little Dot preamp...too bad it doesn't have HTB. So I am wanting a preamp with HTB. I've been looking at either a Belles 21A, a VTL TL2.5, Placette Line Stage, Juicy Peach/Blueberry or an Adcom GFP-750. Any thoughts to how these would work with my Emotiva/Oppos setup. I should add that I'm using Polk LSI9s for the front. Any good advice would be appreciated.
jim_mein
jim_mein OP
3 posts
 
I tried the Emotiva USP-1 preamp and it was god for $399....but just not what I'm looking for. They are supposed to be releasing a new higher end preamp sometime soon. I may give it a try.
jim_mein OP
3 posts
 
I ended up buying a Modwright SWL 9.0SE. I'm hoping to get it by Friday.
jwglista
206 posts
 
Let us know how it goes with the Modwright. I actually just sold my XPA-2 recently because I moved into a small listening room and couldn't use the amp to its potential. It really needs turned up to sound its best. But I did consider buying a tube preamp for it, so I'm curious how the combo will sound.
evank's avatar
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evank
305 posts
 
Nice grab on the Modwright. I have used an Odyssey Candela Pre with the XPA2 with great results
jim_mein OP
3 posts
 
I've had the Modwright now for about 3 weeks and am very pleased with it. I've been experimenting with tubes and have settled on some NOS Raytheons (thanks to advice from the forums).
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