Since I started using my DS MKll DAC directly to my power amp it it’s become increasingly obvious that I need to consider a preamp change. Paul has famously stated that he thinks using a preamp can sound better. Maybe yes, maybe no but using my Schiit Freya + is clearly a step down in quality. What I need is something that won’t break the bank that has a tape loop that would allow me to switch my Loki Max in and out of the circuit at will. I have found that having the Loki in the signal path at all times, as designed, degrades the sound ever so slightly. The PASS XP-22 looks like a good fit but $10000 is a bit out of my price range. I saw a used XP-20 for
half that. Looks like the outgoing BHK preamp didn’t offer a tape loop which is too bad because used examples are available at attractive prices right now. Chances are if the BHK didn’t offer it its replacement won’t either. Suggestions?
If you wait and look you can find a used XP-22 and it’s a great preamp. Even the XP-12 is really good too. Pass is really fair and honorable to their customers even those that bought used. Bon chance!
Deals on excellent XP-20s are easy to find. They are superb and you will not find better customer service than Pass Labs.
This SPL Elector preamp is a interesting possibility
Since you mentioned Pass Labs preamplifiers I’d suggest patience with the used market. Good chance a lightly used XP-22 will pop up. The XP-20 is fine but the XP-22 is worth your patience and extra spend. I’ve had or auditioned the following in my susytem and rank them accordingly:
(1) XP-22 with RAL umbilical
(2) XP-20 with RAL umbilical
(3) XP-20 with Pass umbilical
(4) XP-12
I’ve never heard one, but I have a long distance friend whose ears I trust has one and likes it very much.
Seems some question the wisdom of using ALPS attenuation in the SPL. PASS Labs is probably a better long term investment. I am not in any hurry so probably best just to wait for the right one to show up used.
Ive been enjoying the Linear Tube Audio Microzotl pre level 2. It has a tape monitor, but it is single ended.
I haven’t seen one with balanced connections yet but it might exist somewhere.
Actually has a transformer coupled balanced input that i found inferior to the the RCA input.
I really enjoy my PS Audio Equipment by using a Funk MTX Monitor. Great ease and perfect match with no noise and super low distortion …
https://funk-tonstudiotechnik.de/ABHOERSYSTEME.htm
… paired with Neumann KH420 active Loudspeakers.
I tried using the Preamp in the Grimm MU2 instead of my preamp. It seemed nice. I could have lived with that. Switched back to my Preamp, oh my. Tried the same thing with my BACCH-SP. My bunny at a power cable between the power supply for the preamp and the preamp. It was offline. The BACCH preamp is enough for anyone. Until I returned to my preamp. Ooops.
It makes no sense to me.
I think you need to decide what features you need in a preamp. I am hoping you just need I/O. If that were the case you could do a search for the most musical, but very simple device. Someone around here could figure out a way to search for “Most musical but simple and not too expensive” answer.
I never appreciated McIntosh gear ever, I think the look derails me. But they make preamps that let choose tube or solid state mode. That could be fun.
I hope you find something no one knows of. That would be great!
The atma-sphere mp-3 preamp is balanced and has a tape monitor loop. I’ve wanted to try it but waiting on a spatial audio raven preamp.
One of the best features that I enjoy with my Freya is its ability to switch between solid state and tube modes. I like to change things up. If it only sounded better and offered a processor loop and was more resolving and—-