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Pre-amp or cd direct to XA30.5 ?

I'm new to this, and this is my first forum.. so here goes. I have an old set of Tannoy D700's and have purchased a Pass Labs XA30.5 amp. I'm questioning
if I must adhere to traditional pre-amp (probably X2.5 or X1 2nd hand), or can I go direct from cd player with say digital inputs and volume control (say modwright oppo 105) or wadia? Any thoughts.. My reason for against pre amp is simply don't need that many inputs. Ideas pls.. and tks for any advise ..
fsyme
fsyme OP
45 posts
 
advantages / disadvantages?
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
Your Pass XA30.5 has 30kohm input impedance, this is fine for you to direct connect from a source that has a digital domain volume control.
Just remember that some digital volume controls can "bit strip" if used below 2/3rds of full output.
Bit striping is a loss of bits, IE: instead of 16bit resolution it can be 14bit at volumes less than 2/3rds, which in some cases is not too bad as 14bit has a softer sound, which is better for background music anyway, such as dinner party music.

Cheers George
fsyme OP
45 posts
 
Many tks. If direct.. was thinking Wadia or Esoteric. I'll see if these have this "bit strap" issue.. Many tks for your help.
fsyme OP
45 posts
 
modwright advised against direct for their oppo 105... for bit stream issue (ie. Loss in sound quality).
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
I think there is an ulterior motive for saying this, a standard Oppo 105 that has low output impedance would be fine driving into the XA30.5, but Oppo 105 with a modded tube output stage will be much higher in output impedance, and maybe have trouble driving into the low input impedance of the XA30.5

Cheers George
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