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Best Tube Preamp & SS Amp Combos

I am looking for opinions on tube preamps and SS amp combinations. I currently own the Pass X-1 and X-250 SS units. I would be looking to spend $5K - $10K on the combo new or used. I recently heard the Sim Audio W-5 SS amp with the Art Audio new Gill tube preamp and it sounded really nice. I will probably try the Art with my Pass but would like to know what other combinations to consider.

Thanks and Happy Listening.
bigkidz
mooncrikit's avatar
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mooncrikit
43 posts
 
Try a BAT VK-5i with the x-250. The BAT was used extensively in many a suite at C.E.S. and the Stereophile shows in the later '90s and was a mainstay in many reviewers personal reference systems. I am using this pre with Threshold SA-1 160watt pure class A monoblocks with glorious results. It would help if you mentioned your front end and speakers that you are utilizing.
libor35
26 posts
 
Lamm L1 or L2 and Lamm M1.1 or M2.1
lpquick
16 posts
 
ARC LS25MII Preamp with Classe CA-300 Amp. Sweet, detailed and slightly warm. Excellent together with enough power for any speaker load.
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glai
446 posts
 
I use a Hovland HP100 with Bryston 4BSST with good results.
jazzdude
332 posts
 
Sim Audio W-5 matches well with most tube preamps due to its high gain, high input impedance and good voltage sensitivity. You will have a more difficult time (but not impossible) mating the X-250 with a tube preamp because of its gain and input impedance.

I use the Sim Audio W-5 and Supratek Sauvignon.
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