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Pre amp for Pass Labs XA30.5 – Tube or SS

I’m updating my system from the bottom up and have settled on the Pass Labs XA30.5 for power amp. The speakers are a pair of Harbeth C7-es3. Now I’m debating between getting a tube or solid state pre amp. Below are the ones I consider:

SS pre amps - Pass XP10, Ayre K-5xeMP

Tube pre amps – Audio Research Ref 3, LS27 used, LS 26, LS-17SE; Conrad Johnson ET-3, ET-3SE used, Premier 17; Leben pre amp.

Can you share your experience in any of these pre-amp with Pass Labs power amps? Any other SS or Tube pre amp that are worth exploring? Obviously, the Audio Research Ref 3 and LS 27 command a higher price.

I’m looking for a good synergy between pre-amp and power with correct output/input impedance matching. Music I listen include: vocal – both female and male, jazz, pop, chamber, symphony, etc. I’m looking for full-body mid, solid bass and extended treble, accurate sound stage, with a focus on vocal presentation.

Any suggestions are appreciated.
r0817

Showing 3 responses by bo1972

bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,789 posts
 
I owned the XA30.5 for a short time. Just for sale. I used it with the XP-20. I was amazed how good this combo could play togheter. I owned the XA-100.5 before. With the XP-20 had the same stunning stage. I tested some Ayre in the past. There is a big difference in depth and stage wide as well. Pass labs makes the stage wider and deeper. I would not even want a pre-amp for free when my stage would become less wide and deep. Ayre had a less deep and wide stage. For the people who want a big and deep stage this would be a no go. With Tube you also will have a wide and deep stage. Wenn you prefer a more warm sound you can choose for tube. Wenn you want more precision I would go for a XP-10.
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,789 posts
 
I had the 30.5, 60.5 and 100.5. Even with the same speaker you will hear the difference with ease. There is a big difference in quality. The 100.5 has a lot more drive and resolution. Even with a small speaker you can hear the difference with ease. It is more precise. Cause of the precision you will get a more 3D image. There is even a difference in musicallity. To be honest the 100.5 I found a lot better than the 60.5. The difference between the 60.5 and 30.5 is noticeble easilly. But the 100.5 is more musical in sound and more precise. I prefer the 250.5 over the 60.5 as well. The integrated amps Pass makes I found not that convincing as there Poweramps and pre-amps.
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,789 posts
 
I owned the XP-20 for 2 years. I did a lot of tests in the last 2,5 years with Audyssey Pro. Now with a Onkyo PR-SC5509 with my way of Audyssey Pro measurement it is a lot better with my Pass Labs x250.5 in every aspect. Even wenn I play extrem loud the needle is less moving then witht the XP-20. The stage is wider and deeper. Individual focus is superior to the XP-20. articulation of voices is also superior to what I had with the XP-20. I have to admitt that my way of measurement is totally different than what Audyssey does. Without this, it would be inferior to the XP-20.
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