I use the vtl 6.5 preamp, the quality and performance is the best. The controls are flexible and adaptable...not to mention the quality of the circuits, top notch!
Rabbani, The X250.5 should run any speakers. The 250.5 is a pretty big amp.Unless you require powering huge speakers you should be OK with just about any speaker.
Which: I use Conrad Johnson preamps with my XA100.5's. I switch between their ART 2 and ACT 2.2 depending on mood.
Why: Bottom line is because they sound great. From a technical standpoint, they are one of the only preamps I have heard of that use just "1" gain stage and no cathode follower. That and pure class A and no negative feedback makes for a very pure circuit.
I currently use the XP-20 replacing the X-1 with my XA100.5 amps. They are both excellent combinations. I've only tried one tube preamp with these and it was not a good match. The Pass preamps sound very good with the Pass amps.
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