2. amps-preamps
  3. 164110-36966

Holographic, 3D Solid State Amp under $6k

Greetings! I’m looking for a $4-6k tube preamp + ~$6k solid state Amp combination - an Amp with Preferably a high impedance inputs, and XLR inputs. I want to combine the holographic, 3D imaging and wide soundstage of a tube preamp to the dynamics, control, and extension of a solid state amp. I’d like to see Class A for the first 10-15W. I’m looking for something that compares sonically with Pass, but I can’t go with Pass again.

I had a demo Pass X250.8 and XP-22 for 1 wk. Sounded beautiful, but the low gain of the XP-22 was too low on several sources to power the X250.8. The Volume had to be turned up to 80/99 for decent levels. Unfortunately, there were also QC issues on the Pass - the hum on the XP-22 was intolerable, and the XLR connectors wobbled on the X250.8. I was told that’s how the XLR plugs are on Pass. It didn’t inspire confidence, so I had to send it back with a restocking fee. So No Pass!
88man

Showing 2 responses by cal3713

cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Agreed with the many posts here. 

With MIT cables and Pass amplifiers, my XLRs locked in and wouldn't move at all.  Shame on your dealer for claiming that was normal (you should name them so others can avoid). You should not have had to pay a restocking fee to send that back.

And too bad you couldn't figure out where the ground loop was for the preamp.  Again, it's not normal for Pass gear to be affected by this issue (moreso than other equipment).  Of course there's a possibility that this dealer actually sent you a broken unit.  I'm leaning in that direction given everything else included here.
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Also @unsound makes a very good point.  The *only* reason to be concerned about the gain level on your pre-amp is if you can't make the volume loud enough.  

In a perfect world, you'd be using the preamp with the VC at 100%/full throttle.  This produces the least signal degradation.  Of course that also means that you can't ever turn it up to get more volume, so very few of us actually live in that state.  
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