2. amps-preamps
  3. 1173728932

Which Pre/power combo?

I am currently using a ML37/ML360S,Revel F52,Kimber 3035,KS1130 xlr and a Primare a30.1 amp.

Now is time to move to a pre/power with preferably over 500w,the question is which s/s pair would be best?

On the short list are either the ML320S/380S/326S with eitherML336/432

Or the pass labs X1 with X250.5/X350.5

I will be buying pre owned in the UK since the new prices are very high for the above units,so demoing will be hard.

I would prefer a sound baised on the warm side!

Any opinions or other alternatives wecome,thanks.
strutter_

Showing 1 response by jim_swantko

jim_swantko
301 posts
 
I auditioned many of these components.

I liked the Pass amps.. I did not like the X-1 from a user friendly perspective. The volume jumps were huge! It did sound quite good however.

Ultimately I chose a ML 336 amp and love it. I am using it with Aerial 10T's and an ARC LS-26 pre-amp. To my ears the ARC pre was a significant step up over the X-1.

The ARC has just the right amount of warmth for me - but the speed and dynamics of SS pre's. I really, really like it and think you should seriously consider it if those attributes sound appealing to you.

I've heard some ML pre's but never long enough to make a true comparison to the ARC or the X-1.

Hope that helps a little!
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