2. amps-preamps
  3. 163964-16222

First Watt SIT-3 preamp pairing advice

Hi There,

I have Nelson Pass's First Watt SIT-3 power amplifier. I am using a ~15 year old VAC (Valve Amplification Company) Standard Preamplifier with NOS Telefunken 12AU7 and 12AX7 tubes for the 2 stages. I am looking to upgrade the preamp and am considering the Passlab XP-12 or the Linear Tube Audio MicroZotl MZ3 preamp. My impression is that both preamps are fairly popular when pairing with First Watt amps. Anyone here have paired both these preamps with the SIT-3 and can provide impressions that might help me decide? If there is 3rd option that you like very much, I am all ears too. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Andrew
longinc

Showing 1 response by dseltz

dseltz
150 posts
 
I have to put another vote in for the Supratek.  I have the Cortese LCR.  I drive Rethm Saadhana (100 dB sensitivity).  Cant say enough about the sweet sound.  I prefer analog, but do listen to a lot of Qobuz/Tidal due to me limited vinyl collection.  My ExoGal Comet DAC does help keep streaming more analog sounding also.
And value of Supratek is outstanding!
More to discover