2. amps-preamps
  3. 1092056707

Need some pre-amp advice...

Hey there guys.

I need some pre-amp advice. I currently use a Lexicon MC-12B as my pre/pro, and frankly want to get it out of the loop for two channel processing. I need a pre-amp that will have the following:

Remote control
At least two balanced ins
Ability to drive Pass Labs X600s effectively
and the biggie *** must have *balanced* processor bypass.

That last one is a biggie -- there are not too many preamps that I have found that offer that. Ones that I am considering are:

Krell KCT
Pass X0/X0.2
Sonic Frontiers Line 3
BAT 31SE/51SE
Levinson 320S

I am not opposed to buying used -- my budget is ~6000. Could go lower, could go a little bit higher.

Speakers are Dynaudio Confidence 2, source is Wadia 861b.

I am not opposed to tubes, but there would have to be a compelling reason for them (no experience at all with them)

Thanks,

Blake
ablakeg
aaronm's avatar
aaronm
99 posts
 
The X0.2 also added a 12v amp turn on circuit. I have heard both and bought the X0.2, not because of sound, but availability when I was ready to buy.

I had never cared to use the 12v kicker with the other amps, as I used to leave the other amps on all the time. When the XA160s came into the system I started using it. The XA160s run much warmer, so I put them into stand-by when they are not being listened to. Either unit should be an absolutely outstanding piece of gear in your system.

Unless you find an amazing deal on a X0, I would go for the X0.2, because it should be current for a while and you may sometime need the amp turn on circuit.

Best Regards,
keithr
1,306 posts
 
Tube preamp may be bad match with X600s due to the amps' low impedance...

I think btw, there might be better choices ampwise for your Dyns...
ablakeg OP
10 posts
 
Keith --

You have me intrigued. I know that you too are looking for an amp, what are your suggestions?

I prefer to buy from a company that does not penalize a used purchase in terms of warranty. What would you suggest for my system? I have heard the following with my speakers, listed in order of (my own) sound quality -- none of these were *bad* mind you, and they were listened to over the course of 2+ years, so take this with a proverbial silo of salt:

Levinson 33H (in the ballpark pricewise, but no warranty on a expensive, complex piece of equipment kind of scares me away)

Halcro dm58 (too much money, never heard the dm38, would have to buy used)

Pass X1000 (just too damn big)

Krell 450mcx (dealer set-up, they push Krell hard -- I would have liked to hear the 700 stereo, as that is in my price range.

Parasound JC1 -- believe it or not, these sounded pretty damn good, and the price doesn't scare me away, that is for sure!

I also am considering Plinius, but have never heard them outside of a show.

What about the Pass makes you think that it would not be a good match for the Dyns?

Thanks for all the info, guys!

Blake
ablakeg OP
10 posts
 
In terms of the actual question, thanks for all your answers, guys. I have decided on a Pass X0.2, my local dealer made me an offer that I 'could not refuse.'

Blake
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