Need some pre-amp advice...

Preamps are hard, probably the most difficult component to get right. SS are either dark-sounding or sibilant. Tubes can be very good, but can also be lacking in dynamics or LF extension/tightness.

My own reference is an old Mark Levinson #38 with extensive mods. This thing is bullet-proof, balanced in and out, remote controlled, .1 dB volume increments and 7 ohms output impedance. Totally programmable and somewhat intelligent. Sounds dark before mods though. Afterwards, it beats every SS pre I have heard, including the Pass.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer

BTW - the ML #38 has processor balanced bypass. I use it in a combo HT/2-channel system myself.

The X0.2 also added a 12v amp turn on circuit. I have heard both and bought the X0.2, not because of sound, but availability when I was ready to buy.

I had never cared to use the 12v kicker with the other amps, as I used to leave the other amps on all the time. When the XA160s came into the system I started using it. The XA160s run much warmer, so I put them into stand-by when they are not being listened to. Either unit should be an absolutely outstanding piece of gear in your system.

Unless you find an amazing deal on a X0, I would go for the X0.2, because it should be current for a while and you may sometime need the amp turn on circuit.

Best Regards,

Tube preamp may be bad match with X600s due to the amps' low impedance...

I think btw, there might be better choices ampwise for your Dyns...

Keith --

You have me intrigued. I know that you too are looking for an amp, what are your suggestions?

I prefer to buy from a company that does not penalize a used purchase in terms of warranty. What would you suggest for my system? I have heard the following with my speakers, listed in order of (my own) sound quality -- none of these were *bad* mind you, and they were listened to over the course of 2+ years, so take this with a proverbial silo of salt:

Levinson 33H (in the ballpark pricewise, but no warranty on a expensive, complex piece of equipment kind of scares me away)

Halcro dm58 (too much money, never heard the dm38, would have to buy used)

Pass X1000 (just too damn big)

Krell 450mcx (dealer set-up, they push Krell hard -- I would have liked to hear the 700 stereo, as that is in my price range.

Parasound JC1 -- believe it or not, these sounded pretty damn good, and the price doesn't scare me away, that is for sure!

I also am considering Plinius, but have never heard them outside of a show.

What about the Pass makes you think that it would not be a good match for the Dyns?

Thanks for all the info, guys!

Blake