2. amps-preamps
  3. 1326119143

pass labs xa30 to valve amplifier.

hi all, i have the above amplifier direct to droplet cd player and zingali 20.6 ( i think thats model number) , chord anthem 2 xlr and epic speaker cable. no preamp as droplet has volume control.

ive been thinking of valve amps recently, but have never been able to hear one. the pass is excellent but i was wondering how a valve amp would change the sound. would a valve one have the same level of clarity and detail? i have heard valve amps offer a more laid back, spacial sound, with emphasis on soundstage? wht kind of price range should i be looking at to better the pass? any thought?
james123
james123 OP
61 posts
 
hi, i did consider a tube preamp. would that change the sound? im not saying the sound from the pass is not good, it is very good indeed and even over 4 yrs listening to it, it still pleases me hugely, but as mentioned before i want to experience the tube sound for the first time to see what all the fuss is about. are they really that good? if i went for tube amp or preamp, if worthwhile, i guess the chord anthem 2 xlr would be unusable? any good preamps? thank you.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
A tube pre can change the sound a bit, but in my experience the tube experience and the distinctive sound of tubes comes much more from the tube amp / speaker relationship than a tube pre. You have a great amp, so if you want to experiment, I think a tube amp or integrated tube amp would be the direction I would go. IMHO a tube preamp won't give you enough of the tube experience - which does not mean a tube preamp and SS amp can't sound wonderful, but IME it is not the real tube experience that tubeahololics love.
james123 OP
61 posts
 
defride. thank you for the pointer. ill check that for sure. from their website, they sell the xa30.5 so a comparison could possible made there. im not too far from there too. if anything, i might be able to hear a quality tube amp to get an idea of what all the rave is about them. the droplet, incidently has valves, and sounds really good. perhaps partnering with a valve power amp might be of some benefit. any thoughts, anyone. thanks.
samhar
1,048 posts
 
I agree with Pubul57's recommendation of an Atma Sphere OTL amp, a great choice for clarity, detail, speed and enough tube bloom.
inna
7,923 posts
 
I think I know what you might be up to. You want to experience Lamm, both hybrid and all tube( sorry, valve), and VAC, that's Valve Amplification Company. Both American.
Lamms are just great, they would be my choice if I could afford them at least second hand, or third one for that matter. They sound bloody awesome. I know that many think very highly of VAC too though it probably won't have Lamm's drive and dynamics but will have magical midrange and highs to die for. Lamm of course is extremely good in this department too.
Both are expensive but might last a lifetime.
God save the Queen and her subjects.
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