2. amps-preamps
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Tube Preamp for Pass XA25 under $3,000

As the title says, I am looking for a Tube Preamp under $3,000 for my office system, which is my main listening space. I just do streaming (Roon/Tidal straight out of high end PC, ie no streamer, into Matrix Audio DAC) and currently have a Schiit Freya plus, new to me Pass Labs XA25 that I love, and Harbeth P3esr in nearfield (four feet). Broad range of music, from acoustic/vocals/americana and jazz to livelier funk and rock at moderate levels.

I like my system, but feel the Freya may be the weak link. I am happy with the sq of the mellower stuff, but the more challenging funk and rock can get a bit muddled in the lower range. I am mostly leaning toward tube preamp, but might consider Pass Labs ss preamp if I can find one that won’t blow my budget. Primarily looking for used gear for the savings. Balanced input is a bonus.

So I am looking at the following that is currently available and under budget roughly in order of preference:

LTA Microzotl Preamp (not headphone amp)

Modwright LS 100 Tube Preamp

Conrad Johnson ET3SE

Prima Luna Dialogue Premium Preamp

new Don Sachs Line Stage Preamp (appears that most used ones available have caps for tube amps, so would probably have to go new here)

Pass Labs xp 10 (none that I can find online now, so that will be a wait and see)

Pass Labs xp 12 (really beyond my budget but might go for it if a good deal arises)

Forget the preamp and invest in streamer

So would like to know if anyone has experience with any of the above preamps with a XA25, or just any general thoughts on which might be best for my situation. Thanks in advance.

jcwilson
timski's avatar
timski
13 posts
 

@jcwilson Good choice!  I think that you will be very pleased.  I bought a new Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3 earlier this month and so far am more than impressed.  Was looking for a used one, but they’re few and far between.  Like you, I upgraded from the Freya (OG).  The Freya is a great value, but the Rhumba is in a whole other league (or two)… we’ll worth stretching the budget for.  Look forward to hearing your impressions.

soix
8,843 posts
 

Great preamp and I’m sure you’re gonna hear some pretty big improvements across the board.  Now time to work on getting a decent streamer.  Even adding something like an iFi Zen Stream for only $399 will sound dramatically better than a computer.  Look forward to your thoughts on the Rhumba. 

pops
2,272 posts
 

Congratulations jcwilson on your purchase looking forward to hearing your impressions

 

As far as the Dehavilland ultra verve III goes I’ve owned one for several years and it is Superb and one the great values. Big tone in the mid range and dynamic.  Tons of tube rolling Opportunities with the 6sn7.  

avanti1960
1,411 posts
 

the backert labs preamps have a very good reputation, hopefully the 9db of gain will not cause the xa25 to sound anemic because of its  relatively low 20db gain.

my xa25 needed the 24 db gain my cary slp 05 put out, which is why i suggested the slp98 with 23db.  

hope it works for you.  

laaudionut
246 posts
 

Gain  matching is why I had suggested Aric Audio, as he builds adjustable gain control into every preamp/linestage he makes. The Pass amps like far more gain than the Backert can deliver. Therefore, you will never know what the XA is capable of. A little due diligence will save you in the end...

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