Your Thoughts on PreAmp Upgrade: SS Pass Labs X1 Or tubes Audio Research LS17 . . .

GlennDog

I've been toying with these 2 Pre-Amp options. The used market seems to be in the lower 2K range for each

I've got the itch and I'm not sure where this will take me but, any other suggestion will be helpful. I'd appreciate your input.

Tubes or SS ????

TY

G

ps pairing will be with moded SRS 2s and Adcom 5802 w/ Furman power conditioner SP 15 PF i

falconcry72

Never heard the Pass, but I'm currently running an ARC LS-15. When I upgraded to the tubed LS-15 from a SS Parasound PLD-2000 (Parasound's top of the line preamp from the HCA days, retailed for about 2k), it was a HUGE step up. That change had a bigger impact on my sound quality than changing out DACs or power amps.

F1nut

Adding a tube pre amp is always a good idea, IMO. The LS17 would be an excellent choice. Also in your price range look at the Joule LA-100 MkIII. For less money, the VTL 2.5 performs much higher than it's price tag.

falconcry72

If you want to stick with ARC but need a phono input, look at the SP-16.

Also look at BAT. I've never heard their pres, but I've been thrilled with my power amp, and lots people looovvve their preamps.

GlennDog

Thanks Fi and Falcon,

I'll do some more research. With the amount of views this thread has had, I expected a little more input from the gang . . . Gotta go get my learn on

Happy Labor Day!

G

tonyb

Since you have a SS amp, I'd say the tubed pre. Plus it will give you more options to taylor the sound with tube rolling. Just my .02

cjmustang69

I can second the comment regarding the Audio Research SP-16. I own one and have used with the same amp you have (Adcom GFA 5802). I drove Yamaha NS-1000M and Sony SS-M7 speakers with this combination. It sounded nice with both sets of speakers.

dudeinaroom

um....I think tubes....that is all.

vc69

I own a VTL 2.5 and have listened to a few ARC tubed pre's. The 2.5 is a stunner in it's price range, don't disregard it. . The LS15 and 25 were nice, really nice. The 25 outperformed my 2.5 in some ways, and in other ways it did not. I was convinced that a repair job had had ill effects on it's sound. The LS 26 bested it and the 2.5 in every way. I love ARC tubed gear. In my opinion, you could not go wrong with a VTL 2.5 or an ARC LS17. Tube preamps are the only way to to go! :cheesygrin:

cstmar01

well if you need a VTL 2.5 here is one on the gon but he's selling with a VTL amp as well.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/power-amplifier-vtl-st-85-and-vtl-tl-2-5-tube-preamp-wi

BAT is good, I own one. I like it. ARC is good stuff as well however never ran anything of theirs in my system but what I've heard was nice. From what I know they have good customer service.

BAT is great customer service as well. VTL eh is a little more rough around the edges IMO.

GlennDog

Guys & Dolls, (just don't know who's who here)

I appreciate your input. I lost the bid on the Pass X1, but I think I'm all the better for it . . .Drum roll, please . . . I went with a "Sweet Little Pre" the SLP 98

This is a very nice unit. I'll post later as I can't pull myself away from my "new" system. EVERYTHING sounds better from Toni Childs to Rush to Teena Marie to The Cure to Alan Parson to Rosanne Cash to The Kinleys to Stanley Clark . . . . .

Any input on these vintage tubes would be appreciated, Thanks!

G

an incredible amount of BS uploading to this site from a Mac, pixs coming soon, I hope!

Edit: Must be a file size issue

Must be file size issue

zingo

Congrats! I've heard great things about Cary. Enjoy the music and the tube rolling.

tonyb

Very nice bro, congrats. Maybe expand a touch on the SQ differences compared to other pre's you had. Cary makes some nice sounding units for sure. Enjoy.

soundfreak1

DO THE TUBE! FEEL THE TUBE! YOU WONT BE SORRY! made all the diff in the world.

GlennDog

tonyb wrote: »

Very nice bro, congrats. Maybe expand a touch on the SQ differences compared to other pre's you had. Cary makes some nice sounding units for sure. Enjoy.

Will do. I need to break-in these (never used) EH tubes first. I'll report after about 100 hours. The "sweet little pre" came with, and I quote the seller . . .
"coin-base Sylvanias are from WWII (1942) and I bought them NOS new-in-the-box from DaNang, Vietnam. The Tungsol Round Plates are NOS new-in-the-box (1951) from Romania"

Seller sez they sound fantastic, and I believe him cuz the stock tubes do! (and not even broken-in). IMHO, the unit is nearly flawless, sonically and physically

G