Preamp recommendation request

M

Mr Peabody

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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 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.
 
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.
 
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 said:
I hear the Topping preamp is a real giant killer :popcorn:

Topping Pre90 line preamplifier | Stereophile.com
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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.
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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.
 
Mr Peabody said:
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?
Click to expand...

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?
 
Mr Peabody said:
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?
Click to expand...

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.

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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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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