If you don’t want as much heat, the newer generation of Pass Labs A/B amps are biased to produce a bunch of class A before switching to A/B. My Wilson’s are the same efficiency as yours plus they also drop impedance pretty low like yours. My 260.8 monos just love the Wilson’s. I tell you true, I can’t get the amps into A/B if I’m in the same room. The needles don’t even move. Great soundstage, strong control of bass with good detail without the “etched” sound that makes me crazy. I’m running a tube preamp too, the combo works really well.
Suggestions for a tube pre and power amp
Dear Audio Friends,
I am writing to seek your experienced suggestions regarding an upgrade to my current stereo setup. My current system consists of Revel F328Be speakers powered by a Luxman 590Mk2 Class A integrated amp. My frontend includes a Sonic Transporter (Roon core) powered by a Farad LPS, a Holo Red streamer, and a Holo May KTE DAC.
I am considering transitioning to a tube preamplifier and a solid-state power amplifier combination. While my speakers have a 91dB sensitivity, the impedance dips to 3 ohms between 100Hz and 200Hz.
My current shortlists are as follows:
- Power Amps: Coda S5.5 Class A or Coda No. 8 V1.
- Tube Preamps: Backert Labs Rhumba, Spatial Audio Raven, or Motherlode XL.
I am looking for a 3D holographic, warm sound with a high level of clarity and detail. While I am aware of the general rules regarding impedance matching, I would value your insights on how these specific components might pair together. I am also very open to any other combinations you might recommend.
Thank you for your help.
Rlal
- ...
- 125 posts total
- 125 posts total

