2. amps-preamps
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Looking for a pre-amp (Pass, ARC, BAT, Sim, PS Audio)

Hello,

I would like some recommendations regarding what preamp to try in my system where I currently have a PS Audio DSD, Pass x250.8 and a pair of Focal Diva Utopias with all synergistic research interconnects. Just sold a PS Audio BHK preamp which was pretty nice, but would like something a bit faster without compromising the stage of the BHK. By-the-way, it was noticeably better having the BHK in the system then not having the preamp at all.

I am considering the ARC 5, 5SE, LS28, or the BAT VK42SE, 52SE, 33SE, or the Simadio P7, P8 Or Pass XP20, 22 next. I don’t see my-self zeroing in on any other brand/models right now.  I listen all all kind of music on Vinyl, CDs and stream Tidal.

Would you mind sharing your personal experiences with any of the above preamps (especially to contrast and compare these models/brands together). Would really appreciate any advise on which of the above preamps to go for. Thank you!
Ag insider logo xs@2xjmarshak
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,574 posts
 
@jmarshak

Internally balanced has nothing to do with it. You can have the circuit be internally single-ended and still support the balanced standard. In such cases transformers are used.

An example of what I'm talking about- if the source puts any signal return currents through the shield (IOW if the shield is important to make the connection) then the equipment does not support the standard. In a proper balanced connection, the shield is for shielding only with no other relationship to the audio signal, quite unlike a single-ended connection!
toetapaudio
474 posts
 
My my recommendation would be the Makua preamplifier by Mola Mola. Not only is it an excellent sounding preamplifier but can also be specified with an extremely good and versatile phono input. A dac module can also be specified and in the future it has room for a streamer module to be added through a LAN connection which is already in place. It can be remotely controlled and set up using the Mola Mola app, it has a manual volume control or the volume can be controlled through the app, supplied Apple remote or Mola Mola’s own CNC machined remote at an extra cost. It has 5 pairs of balanced and unbalanced inputs and two pairs of analogue outputs for bi-amping. Separate MC and MM input stages in the phono stage with load resistance and load capacitance selectable using the app. Switchable EQ drop down listing all combinations of record labels is another feature of the phono stage. Also the phono stage has settings for Shelf (bass), the bass turnover point and treble roll-off.
4425
861 posts
 
the problem with mola, which i’m sure is great gear, is poor resale. not fair but the few units on audiogon have not fared well. it’s tough out there.
ricred1
1,976 posts
 
toetapaudio,
You're a dealer for Mola Mola? The Mola Mola preamp with DAC card list price is $22K? It's my understanding a used Mola Mola preamp recently sold on Audiogon for $6K, which makes Mola Mola a very bad value no matter how it sounds.
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch
422 posts
 
I'm a long time Pass Labs listener so probably totally biased.  I recently changed from the XP10 to the XP22 pre.  As I had hoped, this change pushed my entire system in the right direction.  Even after several months in the system I am still hearing amazing things in recordings. Improved clarity, expansive soundstage, naturally musical.  Lovely.

The XP-12 is supposed to be quite good as well.  Enjoy the hunt.

-Karl
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