2. amps-preamps
  3. 133085-49158

Balanced Preamp recommendations up to $5,500

I am in the market for a preamp with balanced ins/outs up to $5,500. I do not have a preference for tubes or SS. I am slowly weening myself off of my Cronus Magnum, however, for the next year or so, I will use this integrated as a power amp. I can use this as a power amp as I have already checked. I am fine with new or used equipment.

I have been researching Pass Labs, McIntosh, ayre, rogue. I am open to suggestions for the brands I’ve listed as well as any I haven’t. I’m looking for great bass, no harsh or etched highs, holographic deep image and soundstage. Sound that is detailed yet fun and not analytical.

Current system

VPI Scout 1.1 TT
Lyra Delos MC
Pass Labs XP-15 Phono Pre
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum (version 1 with KT120 tubes)
ZU Audio Soul MKII Speakers
ZU Mission MKII Phono and Interconnects
ZU Event MKI Power Cables

asp307

Showing 5 responses by nkonor

nkonor
635 posts
 
I too have Pass gear now. Pair of XA 160.8s and a XP 20 that I bought from Mark. I also have a Xono phonostage that I bought from Mark 10-11 yrs ago. The Xono has balanced inputs and outputs.

Now that I found the appropriate Balanced ICs to use with my Pass gear; I am very happy with my system.

I am planning on the purchase of a Technics 10R with a Tri-planar 12” arm terminated with XLRs.

I am not a technical guy and would like to know if having the Tri-planar terminated with XLRs will give me the benefits that using XLRs from the Xono > XP20 > XA 160.8s has?

Will I continue to get the noise rejection, low level detail etc. by having the Tri-planar terminated with XLRs?

 I am surprised that the new Pass phono stages do not have balanced in/outs.
nkonor
635 posts
 
aspu307,

Appreciate your response. I will contact Pass and Atmasphere on this site.

Thanks
nkonor
635 posts
 
asp307,  

Thanks for response.

Same question using the Xono?
nkonor
635 posts
 
atmasphere,

Thank You, 

Clarity as is usual. I think you know that I am saving my nickels and waiting for the final design of the Technics 10R. Hope they design it with “Other arms” in mind.
 I did receive a notice from, I believe Panasonic, that a new tonearm was being designed and would come out at a later date than the 10R.
Nothing is final until you actually see it on the market. So, I am waiting and saving.
You seem to have answered my question. That, it would benefit me to have the Tri-planar arm cable terminated with XLRs as long as I had appropriate inputs to plug into at the preamp or phonostage

Thanks
Norb
nkonor
635 posts
 
atmasphere,

Finally, a down to earth response not blurred buy techno crap. Thank You.
 
You know that I am waiting for the 10R and hope that Technics is paying attention .........

Best
Norb
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