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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
I had Mark Levinson No.39 a while back same setup, that's why Wadia did this also, so you could run it near full digital volume with the analogue gain selection so there was no risk of "bit Striping".
But to be honest the difference between full 16bit resolution and 14bit is not that huge, 14bit just sounds a little softened around the edges, which as I said is probably a good thing for dinner parties, or lift music.

Cheers George
bgpowell
67 posts
 
This has been discussed quite a bit on the forums. Use the search function on the forums. Type in "direct to amp" (without the quotes) and that will come up with several discussions. You might try to search "no preamp" also.
fsyme OP
45 posts
 
Tks all for your help...
fsyme OP
45 posts
 
I did some reading online and looks like my XA30.5 has max voltage at 0.77V. Wadia can set to 0.5V or 1.1V. To achieve max performance, better setting the wadia to .5v for 100% vs 1.1v?
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
Fsyme
I would set it .5v first and if you can get loud enough volume, then your your fine. I'm sure you will as that's around 2/3rds of the XA-30.5's full output.
If not then go to 1.1v

Cheers George
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