Preamp for Pass X-250.5

[Steve3J]

I have purchased a Pass Labs X250.5 and I am looking for a preamp of commensurate ability. I don't need a phono input as I built a Pass Pearl II which handles that effort nicely.

Is there a DIY preamp that would be a favorable match for the X250.5? I am considering an XP-12.

 

[adason]

Plenty to choose from.

I build F4 and just for fun I was testing many different preamps with it, like BA3FA, JC-2, Goldmund clones, Wayne's line stage, some tube preamps, some commercial preamps like ps audio, sanyo plus...lots of fun, little confusing, a lot time consuming, matter of taste in the end, no such thing as best.

 

[Steve3J]

Thank you for your reply adason but you seem to have misunderstood my question. I made no mention of "best".

I am quite impressed with my Pass Pearl II and wonder if there is a DIY (Pass family) preamp\line stage that would mate favorably with my X250.5.

 

[adason]

Do not hang up on my word 'best'. Replace with 'favorable match' and test some preamps. Only you can hear if the preamp is favorable match or not. The sound of the system is combination of signal source, electronics, speakers and room acoustics. For someone sweet sounding tube preamp is right match, for someone else neutral transparent solid state preamp may be right match, depending on the speakers and room...

 

[DougL]

My personal choice would be one of the B1 variants.
They are great sounding, easy to build and don't have excessive gain.

 

[Zen Mod]

balanced , or SE ?

 

[Steve3J]

balanced , or SE ?

I'd like both SE and Balanced inputs. The X250.5 has balanced inputs so balanced outputs.

That being said I don't know for sure but I don't plan to have long runs so balanced, both inputs and output would be a desirement more than a necessity.

 

[Zen Mod]

Wayne's line stage as first candidate ; SE , though making it Bal is trivial task , so ........ well - it is Wayne's , no further comment needed , except info that Wayne is Full Nelson , or Wizard's Apprentice , in case you don't know that

BA3 FE , not necessary second candidate , some like it ; I don't like it in line stage duty , finding it constipated when doing low level and low gain duty

wait to see what Pa will present on this year's BAFF - headamp and line stage , supposedly mini J2

besides that , I'm biased, heavily - Iron Pumpkin (either SE or Bal) , as Demonstration of Force ....... or ZM acting as Brave Mickey The Tailor

I certainly forgot some other possible candidates , but these are closest to my affinity

in short - there are many choices , and only your courage and wallet are there to put a sane limit

 

[Steve3J]

Wayne's line stage as first candidate ; SE , though making it Bal is trivial task , so ........ well - it is Wayne's , no further comment needed , except info that Wayne is Full Nelson , or Wizard's Apprentice , in case you don't know that

Actually I do. I have a Pass Pearl II which is Wayne's handiwork. That is what prompted this question. 🙂

And I ask here to find people that are familiar with Pass, Wayne and DIY.

Thanks for your replies. Yes, perhaps something wonderful and germane to my situation will be presented at BA. I was hoping to come this year but work is interfering.

 

[wayne]

I would run a 250.5 balanced. The BA 2018 boards are done now in a dual version so it is easy to make a balanced pre.

 

[mworthin]

Wayne, will they be available at Passdiy?

 

[Zen Mod]

Bingo!

🙂

 

[wayne]

Wayne, will they be available at Passdiy?

They will be in diy audio store.

 

[Steve3J]

Thank you Wayne and ZM. I look forward to seeing it in the store.

 

[mworthin]

Likewise!