Pass Labs X2.5 or Krell KAV-280p? WWYD?
Out of curiosity, what price range are you talking about? It seems as if you are asking an awful lot from a preamp for a small amount of money. Especially if you are talking about a true differential design. You may be able to get better quality by looking for an integrated amp in the lower price ranges (or even higher). Cost saving could be used on fewer chassis'/cords/cables instead of on lower quality internal components. Especially since you are already saying that your amp is next on the list. There are some very good integrated amps on the market these days. That's just my $0.02. |
Wow! I didn't realize the 20/20's were that power hungry. You may be better off with separates then, as not many integrateds offer more than 200 wpc, especially lower priced ones. If you could find one, and swing a deal on it, the CODA CSib integrated amp would probably be perfect for you though. Legacy Audio loves CODA amps, in fact they had CODA design and manufacturer their Legacy amps back when they were selling amps. I don't think Legacy still sells amps though. There is a CSib for sale on Ebay, direct from the manufacturer with 10 year warranty, but the price is a bit steep at $4500 (List $6000). Maybe you could talk them down a bit. The CSib does put out 400 wpc into 8 ohms though, and 800 wpc into 4 ohms. If you haven't heard of CODA, they also evolved from Threshold, just as Pass Labs did. Nelson Pass was the principle designer at Threshold for sure, but CODA was started in the 80's by 3 ex-Threshold engineers. Great amps! As to your original question, if I had to choose a preamp for around $1500, of the two you mention, I'd go Pass Labs. I do like their amps better than their preamps though. I'd still be more tempted to stretch a little bit for that Klyne SK6 3.5/P Preamp that already has a killer built in phono stage listed for sale on Audio Asylum Trader asking $2695, w/ $2450 in upgrades only two years ago. You may be able to get him down a few hundred, it's worth a shot. Happy hunting, John |
A Coda Unison 3 Ultra Limited Edition just popped up on the Audio Asylum Trader for a steal price of $1,250. http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Integrated-Amplifier-SS/Coda/Unison-3-Ultra/Rare-Limited-Edition/144883 I have no affiliation with the seller. I just think at that price, it's a no brainer, especially with Legacy Audio speakers. Legacy and Coda were made for each other. |
Happy hunting Russell. It's a buyers market out there right now. I know, I've overspent, and unfortunately I am on the other end now. If you do grab one of those big, old classic amps, make sure that it has been recapped recently, or be prepared for that possibility. Generally speaking, those big, power amps need to be recapped every 15-25 years. |
