Pass Int-150 or Int-30A for PMC Speakers?

I like XP-10 a lot (granted never had a tube pre in my rig and that's one of the things I'd like to try sooner than later). Haven't heard XP-20 but based on my experience with the 10 and what ppl told me, 20 should be an amazing piece. Obviously XP pre-amps offer truly balanced circuits (and other benefits of having a good pre - soundstage, noise level, etc) over the volume control of INT30A or INT150, but it's subjective if the added cost is justified. XP pre also has HT by-pass, one of the features I need. INT models do not. One thing to note here also is it sounds better when I have my AVR passed through XP-10 pre to XA30.5 using balanced connection than connecting AVR to XA30.5 unbalanced directly. My AVR doesn't have balanced outs.

If you don't need HT by-pass and want to get an integrated than the separates, I'd go with INT30A and use the rest of the fund towards upgrading from 1007Be to either 1028Be or Diablo Utopia. :)

For a tube pre to pair with either XA30.5 or X150.5, I'd make sure the pre's output impedance is <1k ohm across the board (not just the rated output impedance).

Thanks for the response..

I don't need HT by-pass and I had a Cary SLI-80 Tubed
Integrated that I liked but the Power Tubes are a pain and I
actually had one blow and it was not pretty. My wife and I
were standing right there, had we not it could have been
much worse; my wife was not happy.

Well I like to stay within the same Brand of amp and pre-amp
for system matching. I figure they design their equipment to
work together and be the best it can be.

I listen to primarily classical (Symphonic works and small
chamber stuff) and female jazz vocals (Jacintha, Krall and
Barber) along with some classic rock (Zeppelin, Floyd) at
what I would call moderate levels in a 14x24 ft room.

I have the opportunity to get a good price with a trade in
policy on an INT30A. Also has a 10 day return policy so I
may take a shot and see where it leads.

I like the Diablos but must confess I have never heard them.
The Focals are so transparent and throw a huge soundstage. I
really like them and they are much better than my previous
speakers and much more efficient.

Sorry to hear your tube blowing up incident. That doesn't sound pretty.

What you said is exactly the reason I went with XA30.5 and XP-10 combo. XA.5 amp input impedance isn't very high and I also felt XP-10 might just be the best matching ss pre.

I thinking you're talking about Mark. A good guy to do business with.

I just pulled the trigger on the INT-30A from Mark .... Great
person to deal with ......

Chuck

Congrats on the purchase Chuck. Let's us know how it is compared to your Cary. I know it's tube vs. ss, but I think it'd still be very interesting.