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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 11 responses by czbbcl

czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Out of what you listed I would chose the XP-10 for the ss choice nothing like system synergy IMO. Then either the ARC ref 3 or 17ls series II cj for the tubed units. The ARC has balanced outputs so that may present an advantage over the cj unit if that matters to you.

Nelson Pass has commented that either cj or ARC work well with his power amps; so take it from there. The ARC will be more analytical (ss) in its presentation whereas the cj will sound more like a tubed unit at least in my experience; both are great pre-amps.

Chuck

Good Luck and Great Amp Choice by the way.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Again it was a direct quote form the designer (Nelson
Pass)concerning tubed pre-amp choices and their ability to
work well with his XA series of amps. I am sure he knows a
fair amount about the amps he designs and their ability to
mate up with other manufacturers tubed pre-amps.

And as far as system synergy goes the best match with a Pass
amp is a Pass Pre-Amp. I suspect any designer is going to
use his own products to optimize their synergies together.

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
What is an atypical preamp?

And gives credence to the fact that designers design their
equipment to work together and why for best performance and
system synergy it is best to stay within the same brand.
Hence pass labs amp with pass labs preamp. Especially if
buying deaf; so eloquently stated above. Reno hi-fi offers a
free 10 day trial, all you pay is shipping to and fro if you
don't like it; can't beat that.

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Bob

Understand Thanks just never heard it described that way .

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Onemug have you heard the ET-5 ? I also enjoy the sound of cj pre-amps and feel they make one of the best sounding pre amps in the business. I would go with one of their tube amps but not sure I want to deal with power tubes especially given how good the Pass XA series sound.

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
One Mug

What amp do you have ?

I have been looking at a pair of LP140M's .

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I believe the ET-5 uses one vacuum tube as well. Tone audio did a nice review of the ET-5. Basically saying it had 90% of the sound of the GAT for half the price.

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
One Mug

Sorry I think you have have the XA 100.5's correct? Great amps by the way. I am looking at the Pass XP-20 pre-amp or the cj ET-5 to pait with a pair of XA100.5 or 60.5's. I am sure they will both sound very good. The Pass would fit in my Rack better .

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I need a pre-amp as I sold my Cary Tubed Integrated and it looks like I am going with either the 100.5's or 60,5's. How does the 30.5 compare to the 100.5's. I am sure the 100's are better but how much better.

I even thought of trying an XA30.5 paired with an XP-20 as my speakers Focal 1007 Monitors are pretty efficient. Although I did try an INT30A and thought it was a bit light on power but it did sound great.

Thanks Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I have read and talked to Pass and I understand there is an improvement as you move up the line and just not more power.

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Directly from the mouth of Nelson Pass.

"Our experience is no problems at all with the ARC or CJ products with regard to interface. The amp doesn't care about source impedance. It's actual input impedance is close to 0 ohms, and the input impedance spec comes from the resistors we put in series with that input. Adding a little more from the source doesn't create issues."

Tls49 I agree and the one I would go with if it were my decision.

Chuck
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