I use a PS Audio PCA-2 with my 700C and it sounds super. |
Thanks Rwwear!
Any opinions on Mark Levinson 380s, Pass Labs X1 or Ayre K-5xe with Krell FPB series amplifiers?
Regards |
I have tried the Pass XO and it is excellent. The low level detail was better than the PCA but it could be a little bright. The remote and ergonomics needed improving for the Pass also. |
Why don't you have Krell KCT on your list? One of the finest preamps out there and totally matched to your amp.
I have demoed my KCY in many other systems and it always pleases.
Especially via CAST. |
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Thanks all.
Stevecham, Krell KCT will be ideal but it is out of my price range which is less or more $2,500.
Rwwear, I have heared stories that Pass remote is not user friendly, however, the same stories also praised Pass sound as being open and dynamic.
Muralman1, the H2O Fire Preamplifier is not a balanced design.
Please more opinions on Mark Levinson 380s, Pass Labs X1 or Ayre K-5xe!
Regards |
Haroon, have you looked inside the Fire? If not, how can you say it is not a balanced design? |
I have owned the Ayre K-1xe with my krell amps. I have also heard the Ayre K-5xe with krell amps at thiel. Both work very well with the krell amps. |
Muralman1, this is off topic discussion. However, I went to the website of H2O Fire Preamplifier and checked the specifications before I posted the comments. The preamplifier doesn't have XLR inputs/outputs. I believe you intend to say that some preamplifiers do have XLR inputs/outputs but they do not have balanced circuitry and vice versa.
Please more opinions on Mark Levinson 380s, Pass Labs X1 or Ayre K-5xe! |
Hello Haroon-
The Pass remote takes a bit of getting used to, but as long as you can SEE
the X-1 you'll get it. It will take a couple weeks or so of cursing, but
then no problems. As far as the volume changes I do not have an issue. With
my high output Moving Coil cart the volume was too loud for my wife, but
truly with a pre this good you want a low output MC cart anyway (which I
bought, and now no problem). My VSA SR.IV's are pretty efficient at 92 Db
and my Pass amps rate @600 watts, so a little volume goes a long way. I do
not notice ANY noise when the volume is up, though there is a bit of static
if you turn up the volume very quickly (only as your turning it up). A non
issue IMHO. I LOVE my X1-Pre and all my Pass equipment (X-600 Monos, X-1
Pre, Xono phono stage.
Hope this helps- |
Harron-
I forgot to mention the Pass pre has High (14db) and Low (4db) gain settings for each of its' inputs. I use the low setting. |
Get a Wyetech Opal pre or one notch down in line (Jade?) and you will not have to give up tubes -- and will have speed and resoultion in spades, plus tube magic. And the pre will outlast you!
Neal |
I had a Krell 700cx and the only thing that made it sing was the matching Krell KCT preamp, connected with Cast cables. Try it, they go together like peanut butter and jelly! |
just hooked up an x1 purchased here on agon. almost exactly what i was hoping for. this is the 4th pre in 6 weeks and i think it hit the mark.
was really enjoying the sound without a pre. using my ps audio pwd without a pre was a tough act to follow in my rather limited price range. wanted a pre for connection reasons with a mostly hands off approach to the sound. with about 24 hours of warm up, the x1 is already sounding fantastic. will do some a/b's in a few days to see how it compares to having no preamp. i'm thinking it'll fair very well.
alot of folks recommended x1 and in the 2k-ish price range used, it's a good value imo. having tried the aleph p already makes me more then willing to try more pass gear.
glad i decided to try the x1. so far it's fitting in just right. |
Nice looking set up! I am wondering how you like the sound of the PW combo without the X-1 compared to with the X-1. |
thanks you Srwooten. so far i do like the sound with the x1. don't have golden ears so i need to do an a/b comparison to determine which configuration works best for me. i think it's gonna be close this time.
i can tell you that the x1 gives me the added detail up high that i found missing with the aleph p (otherwise the aleph p was outstanding). it also sounds like i have better control down low with the x1 vs the the other pre's i've tried.
if i didn't enjoy satellite radio so much, i'd be going without a preamp, as it does sound sweet when using the pwd/pwt. like i said before....just looking for connectivity options while keeping the sound as unchanged as possible. hoping the x1 is it this time. |
