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Pre amp for Pass Labs XA30.5 – Tube or SS

I’m updating my system from the bottom up and have settled on the Pass Labs XA30.5 for power amp. The speakers are a pair of Harbeth C7-es3. Now I’m debating between getting a tube or solid state pre amp. Below are the ones I consider:

SS pre amps - Pass XP10, Ayre K-5xeMP

Tube pre amps – Audio Research Ref 3, LS27 used, LS 26, LS-17SE; Conrad Johnson ET-3, ET-3SE used, Premier 17; Leben pre amp.

Can you share your experience in any of these pre-amp with Pass Labs power amps? Any other SS or Tube pre amp that are worth exploring? Obviously, the Audio Research Ref 3 and LS 27 command a higher price.

I’m looking for a good synergy between pre-amp and power with correct output/input impedance matching. Music I listen include: vocal – both female and male, jazz, pop, chamber, symphony, etc. I’m looking for full-body mid, solid bass and extended treble, accurate sound stage, with a focus on vocal presentation.

Any suggestions are appreciated.
r0817
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Onemug have you heard the ET-5 ? I also enjoy the sound of cj pre-amps and feel they make one of the best sounding pre amps in the business. I would go with one of their tube amps but not sure I want to deal with power tubes especially given how good the Pass XA series sound.

Chuck
onemug
784 posts
 
Czbbcl,

Haven't heard the ET-5. I would guess it's pretty nice. I sure like mine paired with the XA's.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
One Mug

What amp do you have ?

I have been looking at a pair of LP140M's .

Chuck
r0817 OP
55 posts
 
ET-5 vs ET-3SE vs CT-5

Anyone has experience comparing the ET-5 with ET-3 SE? The ET-3SE uses only one tube.

How about the ET-5 vs CT-5? Fundamentally different in sound? Thanks.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I believe the ET-5 uses one vacuum tube as well. Tone audio did a nice review of the ET-5. Basically saying it had 90% of the sound of the GAT for half the price.

Chuck
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