Which preamp to go with pass labs x150.8


Hi all, 

I am getting Pass Labs X150.8. I am considering following preamps: 

Simaudio Moon P740 

Ayre KX-5 Twenty 

Audio Research LS28SE

Pass Labs X12

Which preamp would sound the best with the amp? 

Thanks for your input. 

128x128panerai557

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

@panerai557 Your amplifier has balanced inputs. If you want to get the most out of them, the preamp should support AES48 which is the balanced line standard. To the best of my knowledge, ARC has never made such a preamp despite being balanced.

An important tenent of AES48 is that the ground (shield) isn't part of the audio circuit connecting the preamp to the amp. Its only a shield. The actual audio signal is a twisted pair that's inside. This helps give you a lot of cable immunity as well as ground loop immunity.

There are tube preamps that support AES48 FWIW. I would widen your search.