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Pre-amp suggestions for Thiel 2.4/Pass Labs XA30.5

Looking to get a pre-amp to mate with my Thiel 2.4s and the Pass Labs XA-30.5. I've got about at $2500 limit and need a phono section (or need to to pick up a MM phono stage in addition... but still stay under the $2500 limit). I'm currently using a Classe CAP-151's pre-amp section, but it seems that it's getting outclassed a bit by the new additions. Any suggestions? I'm open to both tube and SS options.
128x128cal3713
cal3713's avatar
cal3713 OP
388 posts
 
Thanks unsound. Despite it's auspicious start, this thread has ended up being useful, both for recommendation and educational purposes...
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
It isn't balanced but the extremely low output impedance is part of what sold me on the kW preamp. And its other measurements and the monster transformer didn't hurt either...
cal3713's avatar
cal3713 OP
388 posts
 
For educational purposes, is there a reason that low output impedance is "good" besides the fact that that's what the Pass requires for system matching?

And I do like the features of the Sonic Frontiers Line 3 that I was reading about...
unsound
6,115 posts
 
FWIW, some years ago David A. Wilson writing in the Absolute Sound, suggested that a low output impedance DC coupled pre into a low input impedance DC coupled input impedance amp could offer the best Xc factor.
curio's avatar
curio
294 posts
 
I totally agree with Unsound
I have the Thiel 2.4's and they need lotsa amperes to start to sing .. in fact I dive them with two Parasound JC1's
Forget the ridiculous power of the Pass Labs XA-30.5 .. kinda splendid amp for Harbeth C7ES or Super HL5 but totally useless on the Thiel 2.4.
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