What tube pre-amps pair well with Pass amps?

@cal3713 , Yes, thanks. It’s been a while since last read. ...Hence, my suggestions.

I stated earlier in this thread how great my system sounds with a Pass Lab preamp and Pass Lab amps. I have now heard the Aric Motherlode II in my system and it sounds amazing! If you want a tube preamp you should definitely talk to Aric. I ordered one today!

+1 @jake18aa
I felt the same when I matched up my Pass XA25 with an Aric Audio preamp! This combination makes a wonderfully musical, holographic, and natural presentation of the music that I find extremely satisfying!

Atma-Sphere MP-3 Pre-Amp fully loaded will give you about 80-85% Of the Mighty MP-1 Performance.


I used to own VAC pre-amps before they are nice and warmer sounding but overall i still like the Atma-Sphere better. 

When comparing Focals and any amp, pay particular attention to the mid bass.

They tend to be above-average demanding and therefore suppressing output this region. There's no right answer, you might like it suppressed, giving you a built-in loudness curve or matching better with the room.

Given this combo, old school CJ or Sonic Frontiers.