highpass amp strategy for active system?

[PWatts]

Hi everyone,

I'm in need of amplifier advice. My new active speaker setup consists out of 2.5way monitors with Peerless XLS12 subs. Since the monitors are actively highpassed (2nd order @ 55Hz), my 300W Leach superamp is definitely overkill for powering them. (The mid-tweeter crossover is still passive)

A lower power, higher quality power amp of around 50W should suffice, and naturally class-A comes to mind. After hearing a friend's Aleph-X's, I was totally smitten by its sheer quality and dynamics.

A lower-power version with less output devices and reduced voltage rails should suffice, but I'm concerned about its balanced operation. My preamp (DIY AudioNote M7 tube) and active crossover is single-ended, which will be a problem with the AX's symmetrical topology.

What would you guys recommend? I can add a balanced line driver after the crossover, but 3 separate stages (preamp, filter, driver) between source and amp starts being redicilous, unless I convert the signal to balanced _before_ the crossover and completely rebuild it for balanced operation. Or would it in this case be better to rather use an amp that's more OK with single-ended inputs like an Aleph5?

Thanks,
Pierre

[Nelson Pass]

The X circuit is perfectly happy with a single-ended input - it
just treats ground as the - input and amplifies the difference
between it and the + input. You definitely want to ground the
- input, though.