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July 4, 2022, 09:07 PM #1
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Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
I have a pair of X260.8 monoblocks arriving later this year and am in a quandary about what to drive these with. I have an Auralic digital front end which also accepts analog that I have been using to drive my power amps. However, when trialling an X250.8 earlier this year felt i needed a bit more oomph than just using the Auralic, hence a preamp. The question is which one.
Do I go for a Pass Labs line stage, or something more Swiss army knife like with DAC like an ML No.5206. The latter would considerably simplify the number of boxes. Right now I have the option of a near new demo XP22, which is actually in the country, so there is no waiting (unlike the X260.8 and the ML No.5206 if I went that route). There is a certain attractiveness of something that is immediately available, but it’s very difficult to demo anything atm in order to be sure. There will no doubt be more single box devices come out in the future like the ML and the Boulder 812, which are both competent preamps and DACs at the same time, which will reduce complexity as well as challenge the notion and benefits of a separate line stage preamp.
I probably know the answer to this question, but would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on the suitability of an XP22 with the X260.8, or any other pre or pre/DAC for that matter in the same league.
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July 4, 2022, 09:23 PM #2
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
I would go with XP22. I'm a fan of same brand synergy.
I have not heard the 5206. I used to have a Pass X250, it didn't have good synergy with Levinson but it was the older 326. Nevertheless, I wouldn't purchase without a return option.
Another preamp with good synergy with Pass would be the Coda 07x. It performs beyond it's price. Neither it or Pass would had DACAurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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July 4, 2022, 09:27 PM #3
Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
XP22 gets lots of love on this forum. I heard the Boulder 812 at Mike’s store and it sounded great. Not to mention looks great. And like you said, takes care of streamer/DAC/pre.
Main System
Lumin X1 > Boulder 1161 > Scansonic MB3.5 B
Headphones
Home: HiFiMan Susvara > Schiit Lyr+
Portable: Focal Radiance > AQ Dragonfly Cobalt / Chord Hugo 2
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July 4, 2022, 10:49 PM #4
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Also heard an 812 driving an XA30.8 recently at a local dealer, sounded excellent. There is a definite attraction to a single device that does a number of things, but I would want it to do those things at a very high level. I already have a very good digital front end, don’t really want to go backwards, but as I said, it’s very difficult to demo stuff atm, not to mention have actual supply available. At the risk of more boxes, the XP22 might be the best solution!
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July 5, 2022, 10:21 AM #5
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- Oct 2013
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- Sacramento
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
How easy would it be for you to find a buyer for the XP-22 if you decide to move on later? With a 10-month wait in the USA, it should be easy to "Pass" the preamp on in Australia if you decide to.
Contributor to stereotimes.com
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July 5, 2022, 11:33 AM #6
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- lachen / sz
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July 5, 2022, 01:50 PM #7
Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
The XP-22 is a fantastic partner - very low noise floor and great dynamics. Folks tend to also like ARC tube pre’s with Pass amps.
Sean
Lumin T2
Gryphon Diablo 333
Magico A3 w/ A-Pods
AudioQuest Hurricane HC
Shunyata PS8 & Defender & Cabling
HRS E1
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July 5, 2022, 11:46 PM #8
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Demo XP22 now gone unfortunately, missed it by a few hours.
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July 10, 2022, 10:10 AM #9
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Just pulled the trigger on a new XP22, available in 3-4 weeks.
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July 10, 2022, 10:40 AM #10
Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Congratulations, it’s a wonderful preamp.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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July 10, 2022, 12:53 PM #11
Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Congratulations with your new XP22 , will be interesting to hear your impressions with it.
Flemming
Lumin X1
Rotel Michi S5
Focus Audio FS788
Inter connect : Nordost Tyr 2 ( 2 Meter )
LS cable : Yter
Power Cables : Nordost Frey 2 ( 2 Meter )
Nordost QB8
Fibercable for feeding the Lumin X1
Rack : Finite Elemente Pagode
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July 10, 2022, 05:19 PM #12
Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Fabulous pre. Congrats.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
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July 11, 2022, 04:03 PM #13
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Congrats
Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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July 17, 2022, 09:26 PM #14
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- Mar 2022
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- Adelaide, Australia
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- 53
Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
X260.8’s arrived this morning. Have some rearranging to do and still waiting on some Solidsteel plinths to arrive on Wednesday. Will be a test of patience to see if I can wait till then Great stuff!
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July 18, 2022, 09:11 AM #15
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- Mar 2022
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Well, blow me down again. The Solidsteel plinths arrived a bit later today, so I have set the amps up. Only a short period listening so far, amps are brand new, so a bit of running in to do, but already I like what I hear. Imaging is spectacular, bass notes are palpable. More soon
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July 18, 2022, 11:52 AM #16
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- May 2017
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- Ohio, USA
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- 181
Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Woo-hoo! Congrats and Enjoy!
Electronics: Pass Labs XP-22, Pass Labs X250.8
Digital: T+A DAC 200, Auralic Aries G1, Sony UBP-X800M
Analog: Pro-Ject X2 w/ Ortofon 2M Black, iFi Phono3 Phonostage
Speakers: Janszen Audio Valentina P8, SVS SB13-Ultra
Other: David Laboga Custom Audio/Shunyata/Audioquest cabling, PS Audio PowerPlant 15
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July 19, 2022, 10:40 PM #17
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
OK, some further comments. Have now wrangled the 260.8’s in behind the 3.7i’s, both on Solidsteel S3-A plinths, which arrived shortly after the amps, am quite impressed with these plinths btw. Spaced from the walls to provide enough ventilation. Have had them on for a couple of hours so far. A couple of initial observations, apart from the fact that I am very pleased so far.
Soundstage and Imaging
Significant improvement, both in definition of instruments and spatial positioning
Detail
There has been a significant improvement in the amount of detail presented, all making things closer to reality. I could best describe this as an ability to decipher extreme harmonic complexity and to separate and delineate instruments, voices, etc. I’ll give you a couple of examples. I am not a huge (or any sort of) Enya fan, but the start of the track Watermark on the album of the same name presents a wall of sound. The X260.8 is able to separate this “noise” into individual sound sources that make sense, which I haven’t previously experienced. On the Clapton album Unplugged, in the track Tears in Heaven, there’s a lot going on in the background, perhaps not a wall of sound, but a lot of stuff. Now, The X260.8 enables me to clearly hear several female back up singers who are down in the mix, again, something I hadn’t heard before.
All very good so far, more thoughts to come later.
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July 27, 2022, 10:02 AM #18
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Review of X260.8 monoblocks from s few days ago from Positive Feedback/Enjoy the Music
Pass Labs X260.8 Monoblock Amplifiers - Positive Feedback
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July 28, 2022, 10:20 AM #19
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September 23, 2022, 12:21 AM #20
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- Mar 2022
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September 23, 2022, 11:20 AM #21
Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Production is finally ramping back up at Pass so hopefully your wait won't be much longer
Rob
__________________________
Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
Adona rack, Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories
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September 23, 2022, 09:54 PM #22
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- 53
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November 9, 2022, 06:51 AM #23
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
I am pleased to advise that my XP22 preamp has arrived in Melbourne and will be sent to Adelaide in the next couple of days. One other major change that has happened in the last couple of weeks is that I have sold off my Auralic Vega G2.1 and Leo GX.1 DAC front end and replaced with a Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC. I will now have Auralic G2.1 -> Tambaqui -> XP22 -> X260.8 -> Magnepan MG 3.7i, as well as LP12 -> ME25 phono pre -> XP22. Looking forward to setting it all up.
Main System: Linn LP12/Ittok/DVxx2Mk2, ME25 as phono pre, Oppo BDP-95, Sangean WFT-3D, Auralic Aries G2.1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Pass Labs XP22, Pass Labs X260.8, Magnepan MG3.7i
Headphone System: Auralic Aries Mini, iFi Hip DAC2, DCA Aeon2 Noire
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November 22, 2022, 07:12 AM #24
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- Mar 2022
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- Adelaide, Australia
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
As I foreshadowed, my XP22 arrived a week ago and I was able to unpack and install it last weekend. I have provided a couple of happy snaps for that process. Have had a short time so far to evaluate it, but I have to say that I am very impressed, adds a real solidity to music, great detail, imaging and realism. At times I am sensing a slight emphasis in upper mids/high frequency, not sure if that will change with a bit more usage, but it’s very enjoyable so far. No regrets about this upgrade. I am also assimilating a Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC almost at the same time, so the system has never sounded better.
085D1DD9-4BF2-43C1-B8A3-69AA373ED0C6.jpegEC182D56-CC34-4618-8E08-C526A3D5D7F3.jpeg75951DE5-9304-4CE6-8746-51E6C218A232.jpegMain System: Linn LP12/Ittok/DVxx2Mk2, ME25 as phono pre, Oppo BDP-95, Sangean WFT-3D, Auralic Aries G2.1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Pass Labs XP22, Pass Labs X260.8, Magnepan MG3.7i
Headphone System: Auralic Aries Mini, iFi Hip DAC2, DCA Aeon2 Noire
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November 22, 2022, 12:10 PM #25
Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Beautiful! Congratulations! Enjoy, break in takes a while but worth it.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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November 22, 2022, 05:25 PM #26
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- May 2017
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- Ohio, USA
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- 181
Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
What kinds of improvements have you noticed since moving from the Auralic Vega to the Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC? I've been mulling over a similar move (Auralic Aries streamer, Bryston BDA 3 DAC currently).
Electronics: Pass Labs XP-22, Pass Labs X250.8
Digital: T+A DAC 200, Auralic Aries G1, Sony UBP-X800M
Analog: Pro-Ject X2 w/ Ortofon 2M Black, iFi Phono3 Phonostage
Speakers: Janszen Audio Valentina P8, SVS SB13-Ultra
Other: David Laboga Custom Audio/Shunyata/Audioquest cabling, PS Audio PowerPlant 15
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November 22, 2022, 05:51 PM #27
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- Mar 2022
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- Adelaide, Australia
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Re: Preamplifier for X260.8 Monoblocks
Couple of things:
It's not as if its 50% better, changes like this are always more subtle than that at this level of equipment and take a bit of time to discern. The Vega G2.1 is no slouch I must say, but there is noticeable improvement with the Tambaqui.
There is more detail in the decay of notes and other audio cues in low level detail. Imaging is more solid and defined. You feel as if you are far more "in the room" with the performers.
Timbre of instruments, particularly piano seems more real.
Very easy to listen to, no lumps or bumps. Engaging is a good way to describe it.
I do find I get better results using the Aries G2.1 for input using LDS rather than the Tambaqui as a stand alone Roon endpoint. Very satisfying.Main System: Linn LP12/Ittok/DVxx2Mk2, ME25 as phono pre, Oppo BDP-95, Sangean WFT-3D, Auralic Aries G2.1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Pass Labs XP22, Pass Labs X260.8, Magnepan MG3.7i
Headphone System: Auralic Aries Mini, iFi Hip DAC2, DCA Aeon2 Noire
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
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