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Pre amp for Pass Labs XA30.5 – Tube or SS

I’m updating my system from the bottom up and have settled on the Pass Labs XA30.5 for power amp. The speakers are a pair of Harbeth C7-es3. Now I’m debating between getting a tube or solid state pre amp. Below are the ones I consider:

SS pre amps - Pass XP10, Ayre K-5xeMP

Tube pre amps – Audio Research Ref 3, LS27 used, LS 26, LS-17SE; Conrad Johnson ET-3, ET-3SE used, Premier 17; Leben pre amp.

Can you share your experience in any of these pre-amp with Pass Labs power amps? Any other SS or Tube pre amp that are worth exploring? Obviously, the Audio Research Ref 3 and LS 27 command a higher price.

I’m looking for a good synergy between pre-amp and power with correct output/input impedance matching. Music I listen include: vocal – both female and male, jazz, pop, chamber, symphony, etc. I’m looking for full-body mid, solid bass and extended treble, accurate sound stage, with a focus on vocal presentation.

Any suggestions are appreciated.
r0817

Showing 6 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Onemug,
Did you prefer the Pass preamp over your CJ pre? There's really no guarantee the OP will like the Pass pre more simply because it is the same brand as the amplifier. Depending on the listener's taste and goals,another brand could be a better fit sonically. There's only one way to determine which is preferable and that requires listening.
Regards,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
RO817,
If Mr Pass himself says the ARC and the CJ will be fine, thats good
information. Based on the criteria you list as desirable I'd select the CJ line
stage or the Leben(from your stated choices) as most likely to provide the
full body/tone you want(as well as excellent vocals and
soundstaging).Tube rolling will fine tune to your preference. I believe these
two will be more musically engaging and less analytical and dry.
Good Luck,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
RO817,
The Reno Audio trial option of the Pass seems a good move, you may or may not necessarily prefer this same brand sound.I know people who have ARC amps but prefer non ARC line stages. People use Shindo preamps with non Shindo power amps.It all about what sound you want and this could certainly differ from what the designer voiced to his own taste.What if you simply hear differently?
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Onemug,
Your success with and preference for the CJ over the Pass line stage makes my simple point, at some point you just have to listen.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Well said Onemug.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I don't know why the larger Pass amplifier should sound any better.It has more power to drive speakers with a difficult load and are more demanding of current. With the appropriate speakers the smaller Pass should sound as good at the very least.
Regards,
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