2. amps-preamps
  3. 1367181432

Preamp for Pass Labs X150.5 or X250.5

Upgrading my Musical Fidelity M6i Integrated and M6 CD/DAC with one of the Pass Labs X.5 amps. Using Usher Be-718 DMD speakers with subwoofer (for now). Was going to look for a used X1 or X2.5 Pass Labs preamp and new DAC but thought maybe another option would be to look for an all in one Preamp/DAC that also has HT Bypass along with ability to connect my sub. After doing some research, a couple that come to mind are used Classe CP-800, or new NAD M51, and Wyred 4 Sound DAC2(not sure if sub will work). Any other suggestions or would it just be better to stick with used Pass Labs Preamps and then an economical DAC? My budget is $3k or below for the preamp/DAC.

I would prefer to go with the Pass Labs amps (per the recommendation of the Usher dealer) but another totally different option would be to go with a better integrated such as the Hegel H300 which has all in one package including HT bypass.
dkrilic1
10 responses Add your response
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Nothing better than system synergy a Pas Labs Pre with a Pass Labs Amp. If you want an Integrated a Pass Integrated such as the INT-150.

Chuck
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I've owned several Pass amps and preamps myself. I likes the amps very much but not the preamps. If it were me, I would keep your cd player and put all the money towards the best preamp you can. The M6 is a great player. Getting a better preamp will be a much bigger change. If you are willing to buy used, I would look at something by Aesthetix, Ayre and BAT. There are other great brands as well, but this is what I would start with.
jl35
3,982 posts
 
Very happy with X250.5 and JRDG Capri. I see the new version of the Capri is available with optional DAC.
dkrilic1 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I did look at the INT-150 but don't believe it has HT Bypass.

With regards to the other suggestions, do I need check that the impedance of the amp and pre are a good match? A bit confused as to what I need to look for and what potential problems I could run into.

Thanks again.
kiddman
341 posts
 
I've a lot of experience with Pass and unless you are willing to spend a LOT more money than the Pass preamps go with Pass. And in the cases of spending a LOT more money even most of those won't be as good.
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,629 posts
 
FYI: I used my Aesthetix preamp very successfully with my XA30.5 amp. A very good match.
dsremer
210 posts
 
Consider the new AVM AUDIO pre's The new PA5.2 HAS WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR, PLUS YOU CAN ADD STREAMING, DAC AND PHONO OR TUNER. IT IS A LITTLE MORE THAN $3000.00... BUT YOU CAN ADD OPTIONS DOWN THE LINE WITH ITS MODULAR DESIGN
IF SOLID STATE IS WHAT YOU WANT LOOK AT THE NEW PA3.2 MUCH CLOSER IN PRICE TO YOUR BUDGET AND SOUNDS GR4EAT
DENNIS
P.S. I AM A AVM AUDIO DEALER...
dkrilic1 OP
2 posts
 
UPDATE:

Ended up not going with the Pass Labs...maybe somewhere down the road. Decided to stick with Musical Fidelity and simply sold my M6i Integrated and purchased a demo M6 500i while keeping my M6CD/DAC. Wow!!! What a difference over the M6i. Very happy so far. Finding myself listening to my music at much louder levels. The M6i was good but seemed to struggle with my inefficient speakers at higher volumes....not a problem with the M6 500i. It's a beast and even sounds great at lower volumes. Really amazing integrated if you're needing HT bypass and power to drive inefficient speakers.

System:
Musical Fidelity M6 500i Integrated
Musical Fidelity M6CD DAC
Usher BE-718 DMD speakers on Tyler Acoustic custom stands
Earthquake Supernova 12 Subwoofer
Acoustic Zen Satori speaker Cables
Acoustic Zen Silver Reference XLR
AppleTV
DH Labs Toslink Optical
Anthem MRX 500 Receiver
PS3
bossjay
16 posts
 
The Musical Fidelity m6 500i is the best I've period at low volume . It even sounds great when you turn it up. To me it killed the McIntosh ma 7000.
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,629 posts
 
Dkrilic1,
I'll bet it sounds sweet!
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