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Post by korolev on Jan 19, 2015 11:17:08 GMT -5
Dear friends, I am new to this hobby and currently drive a pair of 87dB speakers with my 211 int tube amp @ 28wpc. im very keen (greedy) in getting my feet wet to this game of power! and the XPA1 remains 'closer' to my budget. I am not yet familiar with the different designs of tube preamps and how they affect sound but hope to learn what tube preamps XPA1 users here have.
Thank you very much!
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 19, 2015 11:24:30 GMT -5
Go for a tube preamp with a low output impedance. Any "modern" design should work fine, but I'd stay away from old Dynaco or McIntosh preamps. Depending on your budget, the Chinese make some killer gear. I'm familiar with Qinpu & Yaqin. I like both. For domestic preamps, you can't go wrong with Audio Research, Rogue Audio, or the venerable McIntosh. There are plenty of other brands out there, but I'm no longer familiar with them.
Happy Shopping - Boomzilla
PS: Another option is to use a SS preamp & put a tube buffer into the system between the pre and power amps. The Yaqin CD-3 is excellent for its price.
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Post by pedrocols on Jan 19, 2015 14:16:28 GMT -5
I ditched my solid state preamp after I listen to a tube preamp in my room with my speakers with my music! At the time I was using the tube preamp with a pair of UPA-1s monoblocks. I suggest you try it at home if possible. There are plenty of good reviews about the XPA-1s and I believe they are good candidates for Tubes!
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Post by bayscout on Jan 19, 2015 15:53:56 GMT -5
To answer your question directly, I am running a fully balanced system with a Sonic Frontiers Line 1 preamp feeding a pair XPA 1s.
Sonic Frontiers has been out of business for a number of years, however used ones are available and repairs through Parts Express, if needed.
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Post by jmasterj on Jan 19, 2015 17:41:48 GMT -5
Hi korolev,
Welcome to the forum. Because you mentioned your tube integrated amp I know you like the way tube equipment sounds or you wouldn't be looking at a tube preamp for your XPA-1's. I agree with boomzilla there is some Chinese gear out there that's killer and it will meet your needs at a reasonable price. If you look at my signature you'll see I own a few pieces. I'm currently using an entry level tube preamp with my XPA-100's. It's a wonderful combination if you're interested PM me. good luck j
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Post by korolev on Jan 20, 2015 9:27:04 GMT -5
thank you very much gents. i really appreciate your replies!
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Post by korolev on Jan 27, 2015 11:02:09 GMT -5
Go for a tube preamp with a low output impedance. Any "modern" design should work fine, but I'd stay away from old Dynaco or McIntosh preamps. Depending on your budget, the Chinese make some killer gear. I'm familiar with Qinpu & Yaqin. I like both. For domestic preamps, you can't go wrong with Audio Research, Rogue Audio, or the venerable McIntosh. There are plenty of other brands out there, but I'm no longer familiar with them. Happy Shopping - Boomzilla PS: Another option is to use a SS preamp & put a tube buffer into the system between the pre and power amps. The Yaqin CD-3 is excellent for its price. im thinking of yaqin ms-12b with the xpa gen 1 (used). would you have an opinion towards this setup? has the ms-12b got low enough impedance to suit the xpa gen 1? through this, ill be experimenting with different speakers as long as I have plenty of big clear power and my desired tube sound (by rolling tubes). I play mostly flac and run a w4s udac. also considering a tube dac =D |
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Post by garbulky on Jan 27, 2015 11:27:32 GMT -5
Go for a tube preamp with a low output impedance. Any "modern" design should work fine, but I'd stay away from old Dynaco or McIntosh preamps. Depending on your budget, the Chinese make some killer gear. I'm familiar with Qinpu & Yaqin. I like both. For domestic preamps, you can't go wrong with Audio Research, Rogue Audio, or the venerable McIntosh. There are plenty of other brands out there, but I'm no longer familiar with them. Happy Shopping - Boomzilla PS: Another option is to use a SS preamp & put a tube buffer into the system between the pre and power amps. The Yaqin CD-3 is excellent for its price. I would second that. A nice XSP-1 coupled with the yaqin CD-3 will bring some tube sound to the setup. BTW, Boomzilla has one for sale if you are interested. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 27, 2015 11:48:24 GMT -5
im thinking of yaqin ms-12b with the xpa gen 1 (used). would you have an opinion towards this setup? I'm not familiar with the Yaqin MS-12b, so I couldn't comment. ...also considering a tube dac I'd prefer a buffer. Why? Because the DAC will apply tube sound to everything, whether you want it or not. A tube buffer can be bypassed should you not want tubes for some music. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 27, 2015 11:49:45 GMT -5
...BTW, Boomzilla has one for sale if you are interested. No longer. It's been sold, thanks, garbulky. |
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