I’ve run an F5 and a J2 with a passive pre. Speakers are, Graham Chartwell LS3/5,Nola Boxer 2, and Hornshoppe Great Horned Heils. For the type of listening I do,and the small size of my listening rooms, this combo works well for me.
First Watt F8, passive preamp, DAC
The F8 is comparable to other First Watt amps in terms of wattage but the gain is only 15db. The Stereophile review says to be wary of using it with a DAC volume control and presumably a passive pre. Can anyone speak from experience? My speakers are Devore, 91db, 8 ohms, and I would like to control the F8 with my DAC.