Pre Amp for Pass Labs X150.5


Hi,

I am looking for a pre amp to partner my X150.5

Would the Audio Research SP16L pre be a good match with Pass Labs X150.5?

Or the Cary SLP-03 would be a better match?

Any comments are welcome.

Thanks.
driver73
hi,

i see pass labs amp has two inout impedance, 30 kohm and 20 kohm. Which one refers to balanced? Thanks
Thanks for all replies. really appreciate it.

Anyone has any comments on the Jeff Rowland Capri? It fits my budget perfectly. Out impedance is also a good match: 80 ohms balanced & 40 ohms unbalanced.

Cheers
The Capri would likely work very well. Buy one used and try it. Re-sell it if it's not to your liking.
Hello, I'm running a pair of Pass Labs X600.5 monoblock amps, which, like your X150.5 amp, have an input impedance of 22kohms balanced, and a Pass labs X0.2 preamp. The output impedance of the Pass Labs XO.2 preamp is 200 ohms unbalanced & 750 ohms balanced. You could buy a Pass Labs X-1 preamp for around $2200 used or try the JR Capri preamp that everyone is talking about--(assuming the output impedance of the Capri matches). Also, depends on if you want to go solid state or tube. Sounds like you are leaning toward tubes. To narrow the playing field: First, make sure that the output impedance of your new preamp is a good match with your Pass amp. Second, try to determine if there would be a musical synergy between the two components. The second part is the harder (and fun) part. Good luck! Stan