Some people prefer the DAC directly to the amplifier, which was what I originally had before buying the XP10.
I much prefer the DAC to the preamp in my set up
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- Thread starter slowGEEZR
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Some people prefer the DAC directly to the amplifier, which was what I originally had before buying the XP10.
I much prefer the DAC to the preamp in my set up
I prefer having my XP-20 in the chain then having the DAC acting as a pre. The DAC alone sounded cold and a little sterile. With the pre the life came back.
I prefer the MSB Analog DAC with volume control direct to power amp. I find that a preamp adds color.
Sometimes I prefer that added coloration to my sound. The only time I don't feel the preamp is necessary is with my Lampizator dac. Until I try a fully balanced preamp in my system, my opinion could change.
Which preamps have you tried and not liked being in the chain as compared to the MSB Analog DAC direct into your amp? Also what's your amp and speaker if you don't mind my asking? Just curious...
I recently added an XP-25 to my system. What a step up from my XP-15 and a wonderful match to my XP-20...
Back when I visited Pass Labs (2006-2007, not sure of exact time) they were using Tannoy 15" concentric speakers with an outboard crossover for some of their electronics voicing/evaluation.
I've heard that is still the case, but I don't know.
Anyone know what loudspeakers Pass is currently using for voicing/evaluation?
I've heard that is still the case, but I don't know.
Anyone know what loudspeakers Pass is currently using for voicing/evaluation?
I had an x-350 for about 5 years. Paid $3,200 used and sold for $3,500. What a great AMP!
I just bought the Pass Labs Rushmore speakers used.
I just bought the Pass Labs Rushmore speakers used.
Wow, I've heard great things about those speakers. Once you've had a chance to listen for a while, please share your thoughts about their performance. Congratulations.
I sold my old Pass Aleph 5 and XA 100.5 for more than I paid for them too. Pass amps are great and can be very good values.
Hello,
I'm curious what peoples thoughts are of running a Pass Labs XA100.5 in combination with the Magico S3's? I've recently purchased the S3 (haven't arrived yet) and am thinking of going with the XA100.5 to power them. From a maths standpoint, the 100.5 seems like it should have enough juice to drive the S3 OK up to about 110db before leaving Class A but I'm not sure how things will play out in real life driving these speakers which are a somewhat difficult load.
Thanks for your thoughts
I'm curious what peoples thoughts are of running a Pass Labs XA100.5 in combination with the Magico S3's? I've recently purchased the S3 (haven't arrived yet) and am thinking of going with the XA100.5 to power them. From a maths standpoint, the 100.5 seems like it should have enough juice to drive the S3 OK up to about 110db before leaving Class A but I'm not sure how things will play out in real life driving these speakers which are a somewhat difficult load.
Thanks for your thoughts
I can't believe the Pass Labs would have problems driving that speaker. I bet it would sound great!
+1
I owned the XA-100.5 and used them to drive my Revel Salon 2's. They could drive these speakers to an incredibly high volume, while remaining in Class A. You shouldn't have any issues with the S3.
Ken
I had the XA100.5 with my Mini IIs. They are 87dB and 4 ohm load. My room is 15 X 16 X 7.5. The needle only moved rarely meaning that it stayed in Class A for most of the time. However, I switched to the XA160.5 for a more effortless, dynamic sound. Magico speakers are deceiving about how much power they need. The S3 is 88dB and 4 ohms. I think it will depend on your room size, listening volume and music type.
I have always found that more power is better with Magico. The XA100.8 may be different as it has more current, but it also has a different sound and is considerably more expensive than a good used pair of XA100.5s. Is there any way to audition the amps before you buy?
I have always found that more power is better with Magico. The XA100.8 may be different as it has more current, but it also has a different sound and is considerably more expensive than a good used pair of XA100.5s. Is there any way to audition the amps before you buy?
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