Preamp recommendation request

**Mr Peabody** · May 21, 2022, 10:30 PM

This isn't for me.

This is sort of a 2 part question. A guy needs a preamp with differential balanced, no DAC or phono stage required, solid state.

He is considering the Pass XP32, anything better at that price? Realizing it's subjective.

Any impressions, experience with the XP32?

**BlueFox** · May 21, 2022, 10:45 PM

I was going to suggest the Pass XP22, but then I read the post. I love my XP22, and have no interest in trying the XP32. Three chassis’s are one too many for my setup.

**NekoAudio** · May 22, 2022, 01:38 PM

The Bryston BR-20 is fully balanced throughout and sounds excellent. Comes with DAC functionality but you don't need to use if you don't want to. It will sound different than the Pass XP-22 or XP-32.

**Gene15352** · May 22, 2022, 06:40 PM

ayre
luxman
jeffrowland group
audionet
accuphase

**jlchen** · May 24, 2022, 03:09 AM

I am using Pass XP-32 with Dan D'Agostino Momentem M400. I have excellent results with our Wilson Audio Alexia 2. I think XP-32 is one of the best value in its price range.

Julian

**nc42acc** · May 24, 2022, 10:11 AM

I hear the Topping preamp is a real giant killer

Topping Pre90 line preamplifier | Stereophile.com

**hifinutt** · May 25, 2022, 03:17 PM

rubbish remote apparently !!

bel canto pre amps are worth a listen .

**AJ Soundfield** · May 25, 2022, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by nc42acc

I hear the Topping preamp is a real giant killer

Topping Pre90 line preamplifier | Stereophile.com

MEPs new reference standard. Btw, are we reading the same review?

My right hemisphere maintains that the XP-32 simply sounds better, whatever that means, and the resulting enjoyment is what this is really all about.

Some people may summarily reject it because of its low cost, small size, limited warranty, Chinese manufacture, or the fact that it's only sold online. All those parameters must be weighed against its low price and outstanding performance. It fits my needs, and it fits my ears, so for me it's a great bargain.

**Bobvin** · May 25, 2022, 04:34 PM

To be paired with what in terms of amplification?

**Kingrex** · May 25, 2022, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by Bobvin

To be paired with what in terms of amplification?

And there is the missing information.

**Mr Peabody** · May 26, 2022, 05:54 PM

He has Coda Class A 11.0. He is going to have a significant source upgrade and feels a better preamp will keep the system components more inline with performance.

**exupgh12** · May 27, 2022, 03:04 AM

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

This isn't for me.

This is sort of a 2 part question. A guy needs a preamp with differential balanced, no DAC or phono stage required, solid state.

He is considering the Pass XP32, anything better at that price? Realizing it's subjective.

Any impressions, experience with the XP32?

First, your friend needs to check that the gain between the amp and the considered preamp are inline, otherwise he won't get good sound
can you tell his amp gain?

**Feanor** · June 2, 2022, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

This isn't for me.

This is sort of a 2 part question. A guy needs a preamp with differential balanced, no DAC or phono stage required, solid state.

He is considering the Pass XP32, anything better at that price? Realizing it's subjective.

Any impressions, experience with the XP32?

I'd give real thought to a Denafrips Athena ... see the 6Moons review.

The Athena looks like a very well built, very good measuring, very nice looking preamp for heck of a lot less money than any Pass Labs.

**Jiri** · May 7, 2023, 05:11 PM

Mr Peabody

Please let me ask, how did it end and what preamp did you buy? Thank you

**Mr Peabody** · May 7, 2023, 08:12 PM

My friend hasn't done anything still using what he had.

Originally Posted by Jiri

Mr Peabody

Please let me ask, how did it end and what preamp did you buy? Thank you

**Puma Cat** · May 7, 2023, 11:34 PM

Constellation Inspiration or Argo preamp.

**rodneyu** · June 7, 2023, 04:06 PM

I've been using a VAC master for about 2 yrs love it . Now I'm playing with a Constellation Pictor and DC box . I changed phono stage at same time so I'll have to swap preamps again to compare but I feel that the VAC master to me sounds better so far

**Randy Myers** · June 21, 2023, 10:40 AM

I have had many different pre-amps. I consider the pre-amp as one of the most overlooked and important components in a system.

Suggestions of two to consider: Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2 is considered by many as one of the best sounding pre-amps on the market, and certainly for the price. My absolute favorites (and yes, I know to me it is personal since I grew up next to the factory), but the McIntosh C49 is my favorite pre-amp that I have owned. I know it has both a phono stage and a DAC which you stated is not needed. However, it has great flexibility and allows for both a MC and a MM cartridge to be attached at the same time (which I use and love with two tables attached). The DAC is modular and can be upgraded in the future when newer tech is released. Currently I use my external T+A DAC, but whenever McIntosh release their next gen DAC I may upgrade the module in my C49! Wonderful dual chassis pre-amp built to share the same face plate.

**Feanor** · June 24, 2023, 07:59 AM

It doesn't seem that anyone has mentioned it, but leading option has got to be the Benchmark LA4 line preamp. This pre has had outstanding reviews by many critics. E.g. This ASR review (of the HPA4 version headphone amp). Or the Stereophile review.

Thing about this preamp is if you're looking for colorations, (or "musicality", "warmth", or whatever you call that), forget it: this pre faithfully delivers what's on the recording.

benchmark-la4-front-panel-sideways.jpg

Pretty obviously the Benchmark LA4 isn't your ticket if you're out to impress your buddies or yourself ... as on a Pass X32.

**crwilli** · June 24, 2023, 08:19 AM

Since we are making a list.

Esoteric Grandioso C1X Solo - Great SQ and a sleek 1 box solution.
VAC Master

**SCAudiophile** · June 24, 2023, 08:45 AM

All great suggestions for the specific question,...Benchmark, Esoteric and Pass XP-32 are great options.

We can also add:

Esoteric C-02X

Esoteric Grandioso C1 and C1X

Block Audio Line with PowerBlock SE

Pilium Alexander

MBL 6010D Reference

Jeff Rowland is great sounding....does it meet the requirement?

Other favorite preamps of all time, but I don't believe they meet the "matching requirement":

Robert Koda Takumi K-10 and K-15

True Life Audio SSP-1

JMF Audio PRS 1.5

First Sound Presence Deluxe MkIII and option builds above that

First Sound Paramount SSE Mk III and option builds above that

Kondo AudioNote preamps, and original Shindo (Monbrison & Giscours) offerings belong on the list

Backert Audio Rhythm 1.2 and 1.3

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

**kzhtoo** · June 24, 2023, 11:52 AM

Dartzeel NHB-18NS mk2

**Jiri** · June 27, 2023, 02:43 PM

Hi, I would consider including the Kinki Studio EX -P27 preamp see EX-P27 | Kinki Studio. Review here EX-P27. I am currently considering a purchase myself.

**Audioseduction** · July 13, 2023, 03:20 PM

Late to the party. I love what I’m hearing from my PASS XP-30 pre!

**chops** · July 16, 2023, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by Audioseduction

Late to the party. I love what I’m hearing from my PASS XP-30 pre!

Likewise with my XP-20.

**Porsche** · July 16, 2023, 01:36 PM

burmester

**Randy Myers** · July 26, 2023, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by Feanor

It doesn't seem that anyone has mentioned it, but leading option has got to be the Benchmark LA4 line preamp. This pre has had outstanding reviews by many critics. E.g. This ASR review (of the HPA4 version headphone amp). Or the Stereophile review.

Thing about this preamp is if you're looking for colorations, (or "musicality", "warmth", or whatever you call that), forget it: this pre faithfully delivers what's on the recording.

benchmark-la4-front-panel-sideways.jpg

Pretty obviously the Benchmark LA4 isn't your ticket if you're out to impress your buddies or yourself ... as on a Pass X32.

I have owned a few Benchmark pieces and I have known at least three friends who purchased two of their amplifiers. Benchmark definitely receives some very good reviews and are built well. Every Benchmark I have heard sound very accurate to the extreme. I would say to the point of sounding sterile. I prefer more musical sounding gear, and I understand this is subjective. However, every one of the friends that bought two of the Benchmark amplifiers returned them for this exact reason. It is also why I have since gotten rid of the Benchmark pieces I owned. The three pre-amps that I have owned that stand out to me are the Acoustic Research, the McIntosh (I admit to being biased), and the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2 is so far better of a performer than it price tag would indicate. It has built a reputation, and I know several Shark Members own one of these bad boys!

Thread: Preamp recommendation request

Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Re: Preamp recommendation request

Posting Permissions