2. amps-preamps
  3. 155385-115562

looking for a preamp for pass XA30.5

I just got a Pass XA30.5 and I'm looking for a preamp.  I would like to spend in the 2k range.  I'm interested in a tube pre but not married to the idea.  I would like something with a balanced design and balanced connections to compliment the Pass amp.  I was looking at the Schiit Freya+ but I'm not sure if its impedance characteristics would match with the Pass amp?  I've seen some used Pass Preamps on A-gon that look cool?  Any suggestions?
adam8179
johnto
977 posts
 
I'm using a Pass XP10 with my 250.8 it's a very nice sounding combo. The only drawback is the limited RCA inputs.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I bought a SWL 9.0 Line Stage from Dan Wright, that he had rebuilt and upgraded. It is an amazing addition to my system, blew me away at the sound quality.

Couldn't be happier.
Regards,
Dan 
tlong1958
158 posts
 
Pass X-1 works well with the 30.5. Should be within your budget 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
adam8179
I was looking at the Schiit Freya+ but I’m not sure if its impedance characteristics would match with the Pass amp?

 Great choice, as you have three great amps in one, passive, solid state, and tube. With the best mechanical volume control there is 128 position switched relay, and it’s remote.
As for your concerns on impedance match, don’t be. It is 75ohm output impedance from tube or ss, so there is no problem.
And you can always send it back after 15 days if it doesn’t suit.

Cheers George
adam8179 OP
68 posts
 
thanks guys, good info here.  I'm wondering about the advantages of keeping everything in the system fully balanced?  Many of the tube options I was looking at only have unbalanced RCA connections.  How much of a compromise would I be making if I used unbalanced interconnects seeing as the Pass amp is a fully balanced design?
More to discover