2. amps-preamps
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Pass labs XA-160.8 monos - or -  Mark Levinson 536 monos for Magico's

If you had to chose today / now one of these sets of mono-blocks for same money what would you choose?

Pass labs XA-160.8 monos

- or -  

Mark Levinson 536 monos

_________________


Associated gear

Source
Bricasti M1SE w/M12 built in ethernet media player
SGC sonicTranporter Roon Server w/Uptone JS-2 LPS
TLS OCXO ethernet Switch & 912 OCXO LPS
TLS Reference CAT7 ethernet cable loom
TLS Reference DC cable loom

Preamp
(Either Mark Levinson 523 or Pass Labs XP-30) based on monos chosen

Speakers
Magico S5 MK II

Cables
Kubala-Sosna Emotion/Elation Full Loom

___________________________________

https://www.passlabs.com/amplifier/xa160.8

https://www.marklevinson.com/productdetail/~/product/no536.html


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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
Going for the Pass Labs XA160.8 Mono-Blocks and now trying to find a good matching preamp. Thinking maybe a neutral sounding tube preamp. What do you guys think?

Nagra Jazz or maybe Zanden 3100?

Any thoughts, idea or recommendations? 
dgarretson
2,588 posts
 
I’m completely satisfied with an AtmaSphere MP-1 into Pass XA-160.8 monoblocks. It’s a super clean direct coupled differential balanced tube sound. Give Ralph a call.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Fior tube preamp i would certainly look at VAC wonderfully made and sounds great with depth,sound stage,dynamic impact and great bass.The company is wonderful as well.
fsmithjack's avatar
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fsmithjack OP
712 posts
 
AtmaSphere is cool and not something even on my radar. Thanks 

VAC - one of these just showed up on here. How are these? There are no reviews or anything but VAC is known as great stuff. Anyone hear of this preamp?

VAC PHI 2.0 Preamp



https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9c3gf-vac-phi-2-0-preamp-tube
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