Pre amp for ATC active + Lumin X1

[samkan]

Friends,

Recently I acquired Lumin X1 along with ATC active scm40. X1 is directly connected to 40A via balanced output from x1. It sounds fantastic. No complain as such. But based on suggestion of other friend who has also has x1 and connected to scm50A, I am little inclined towards adding pre amp.

I have read lot of good posts about EAR 868 and very much interest in getting the same. but having little confusion as compatibility with scm40a and x1 in term of vrms , impedance and also sq etc.

In case anybody using similar combo, please can you share your experience?

secondly if anybody has done comparison between ear 868 and ATC sca2, please share your experience.

Thanks in advance

 

[Mr Peabody]

ATC is very dynamic and neutral, I wouldn't take away from that using tubes. I would find a differentially balanced preamp to take full advantage of the XLR connections.

The new Bryston BR20 is receiving good comments. Plenty of other preamp options. D'Agostino would be good.

I don't have anything against tubes and brands like Octave Audio would work, it's just the powered ATC are very lively and I personally wouldn't take away from that experience.

Welcome to the forums.

 

[Gregm]

Hi- no doubt you are aware that ATC manufacture their own pre. It's reasonably priced and I remember being pleasantly surprised at how good it sounded in my system. I only listened to it that once, so not much to go by, I'm afraid. By the way, the pre also had a phono - don't know if it's offered as standard, but there it was, quite a complete package!

 

[Vinyl Valet]

I have tried a number of line stages with my ATC SCM100ASLT speakers. My balanced solid state favorite is the Coda 07x (used with the Coda 06x phono stage). My balanced vacuum tube favorite is the Zesto Audio Leto Ultra II (used with the Zesto Audio Andros Deluxe II phono stage). Another favorite, although single ended, is the Manley Neo-Classic 300B. Finally, my best results have been with the Weiss balanced DAC501 DAC/DSP engine with remote volume control directly connected to my ATC speakers. I use WireWorld Silver and Gold Eclipse 8 balanced interconnects for their neutrality.