2. amps-preamps
  3. 128035-75561

Recommended Preamp for Pass Labs XA30.8 and why

DAC: MSB Analog
Transport: MSB Platinum DATA CD IV
Cables: MIT Shotgun S1.3 Interconnect & Bi-wire speaker cable
Speakers: Esoteric MG-20

Considered Options:

Audio Research LS27
Conrad-Johnson ET3SE
Aesthetix Calypso Signature
PS Audio BHK Signature
Luxman CL-38u 

This is my very first post in the forum.
Since my speakers' balance has clearly been optimized for clarity and detail rather than warmth and richness
according to Stereophile's review, I prefer a tube preamp.
The MIT interconnect comes with adjustable impedance switching, so impedance matching isn't a major concern.
I prefer a smooth, detailed & balanced sound with wide and deep soundstages. 
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thank you so very much.
eddiekuo
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
1,368 posts
 

I am familiar with the Aesthetix  Calypso and while it is not a warm preamp, it does respond to the tubes you put in it, so you can adjust the sound with tubes.  It has a remote with balance control, which I like.

The only drawback with the tubes is that the tube that handles voltage amplification is a 12AX7, which is not as common and is usually more expensive than other tube types for NOS tubes.  For current production tubes, cost is not a factor. 

I don't know how it compares with the other preamps mentioned, but it's a good preamp and would work well in your system with the right tubes.

Buy your tubes from a reputable dealer and talk to them about what you want soundwise before placing an order. That will save you a lot of money and help ensure you get the sound you want.

Some reputable dealers, but not all, are:

Upscale Audio

Brent Jessee

Vintage Tube Services

Jim McShane

Tubemonger

There are more. Just search the archives for "tube dealers" and you’ll find a number of threads on this topic.

eddiekuo OP
15 posts
 
Thank you all for the inputs!!!
denon1
289 posts
 

Teajay, the Linear Tube Audio's MicroZOTL does not have balanced inputs outputs, and from what I know, pass amps sound better thru balanced inputs. So your combo of MicroZOTL and XA-60.8 or X250.8 sounded better using RCA inputs than other
pre-amps (including pass XP-20) with these pass amps even using the XLR inputs/outputs? I am trying to get best pre-amp (without spending fortune) for my new coming X-350.8 amp. I would go with XP-20 but it has 2 units and with huge X-350.8 it will take a lot of space that I may not have.

Thanks.


jafant
10,525 posts
 
Another consideration- eddiekuo

you must demo a Pass Labs pre-amp for a proper comparison.
vegasears
922 posts
 
Mcintosh C2500 can be had used or NOS
Mcintosh C2600 new

I recently purchased the C2500 NOS and love it. Before deciding, I researched VTL, CJ and AR, new and used. I’ve had it for three weeks now and it responds well to tube rolling and has an internal DAC, which I don’t use or need, plus two nice phono sections, MM and MC. In my system it has a smooth upper end and very good bass. It came with 6 12AX7’s that are ok. I put in two new Gold Lion in the main slots and and Mullards in the MC area, all were reissues.

Good luck
More to discover