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Pre-amp suggestions for Thiel 2.4/Pass Labs XA30.5

Looking to get a pre-amp to mate with my Thiel 2.4s and the Pass Labs XA-30.5. I've got about at $2500 limit and need a phono section (or need to to pick up a MM phono stage in addition... but still stay under the $2500 limit). I'm currently using a Classe CAP-151's pre-amp section, but it seems that it's getting outclassed a bit by the new additions. Any suggestions? I'm open to both tube and SS options.
128x128cal3713
unsound
7,333 posts
 
I can see advantages for either ss or tubes, but the Pass input impedance and preferred use of balanced inputs might make for limited tube choices. I think the a Pass pre is a no brainer. Tube options include Sonic Frontiers Line 3, and though I'm less familiar with them, the Atmasphere pre's look like suitable candidates.
cal3713's avatar
cal3713 OP
1,421 posts
 
Thanks unsound. Despite it's auspicious start, this thread has ended up being useful, both for recommendation and educational purposes...
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
It isn't balanced but the extremely low output impedance is part of what sold me on the kW preamp. And its other measurements and the monster transformer didn't hurt either...
cal3713's avatar
cal3713 OP
1,421 posts
 
For educational purposes, is there a reason that low output impedance is "good" besides the fact that that's what the Pass requires for system matching?

And I do like the features of the Sonic Frontiers Line 3 that I was reading about...
unsound
7,333 posts
 
FWIW, some years ago David A. Wilson writing in the Absolute Sound, suggested that a low output impedance DC coupled pre into a low input impedance DC coupled input impedance amp could offer the best Xc factor.
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