I used a Pass Labs Aleph P for many years with several Krell Power Amps with great results. The X2.5 is a decent pre-amp but I found that the Aleph P was a better pre-amp in my system. I now have a Pass Labs Xp 10 which is much better than both the Aleph P, X1, and the X2.5. I have tied many different Krell power amps in my system, but not an EVO 302. I got try an Evo 402 and it did not sound as good in my system as my current amp, a Pass Labs X350.5. I hear that the EVO 302 is sonically much better than the EVO 402. A freind who is a Krell dealer said he liked the EVO 302 better than the EVO 402. The output voltage, output gain, and the input impedance are all very similar between all the Pass Labs and Krell pre-amps and they are all very compitable.
Pass Labs preamp with Krell Evo amp. Anyone..??
Seems to be pretty rare case mating those two. Today I invested some time to search a bit throughout audio forums and find almost nothing...
In my case, the Evo 302 should be paired with Pass X2.5 preamp. Having not any opportunity to listen such a combo before, I would have to buy the Pass blindly since seller is from abroad.
Primarily, I am concerned on output-input compatibility issue. I recently experienced some unexpectedly poor sound from McIntosh C42 preamp (taken for trial - returned immediately to the owner), which obviously failed to "feed" the Evo 302 properly. It would be tricky situation if this happen again with Pass X2.5 (cannot be returned so easily to another country).
Another concern should be of course the sonic compatibility between Pass and Krell.
Any input highly appreciated. Thanx!