WHAT'S THE BEST SOLID STATE PREAMP FOR $3000 ??

I am running a Pass X250.5. After trying all sorts of preamps, I wound up purchasing an H2O Audio Fire, but I've actually never seen one up for sale used. I have a Pass XP-10 coming next week, which are sometimes available for around 3k. I can let you know how it compairs once I get it in the system.

I wonder how many people who are recommending passives have actually tried them with the X250.5. I wasn't too happy with the results when I tried a passive.

The H2O Fire will allow a firm grip on the bass but will remain very transparent (in a musical way) overall. It has less glare in the upper mids and treble than the Audio Research LS-26, but retains a fuller midrange than any other solid state preamp I've tried.

It appears you are only considering solid state. The Cary SLP-05 also sounds great with the X250.5, but is a little rolled off comparitively in the lowest bass.

Alan

To me the specs on the X250.5 do not look like a match for any type of passive (low sensitivity, input impedance, and gain). A low output impedance active preamp should do the trick, or the Pass B1 buffer preamp.

Many fine active preamp recommendations above. If it were me I'd stay in the Pass family, but the Klyne's have always been intriguing. I also own a Rowland Capri and while it is a lot of preamp for the money, especially at used prices, I can't say how it might match up with the X250.5.

I agree with Aljordan. I just heard his H2O Fire and Pass XP-10. They both sounded great, and quite similar, connected to my Pass amps. You could maybe find an XP-10 for just over $3K used or contact Mark @ RENO HIFI. He often has good deals on demos. I had the X-1 which was quite good, but the latest XP series is better. It is quieter, has less distortion, and is even closer to neutral resulting in better clarity, focus and soundstaging. The remote is also better. You can't go wrong mating either the X-1 or XP-10 to the X250.5 If you can find a used Fire, that would also be an excellent choice.