Taking the Hi End Plunge?

[blackraven]

I was browsing Audiogon earlier and there are a couple of preamps that caught my eye-

There is an ARC LS16 with HT by pass for $1,600 and a BAT VK 3iX for $1,650. I could be happy with either one. But unfortunately I can't afford either one right now. I may sell my Van Alstine Ultra plus Hybrid Preamp. I will just have to see how things sound with the Pass.

[harley .guy07]

I tried the balanced connectors when I first got my Pass amp and I did not like them when I had my PS audio Digi link in my system because it did not have enough low end to keep up with the more detail in the midrange. Now that I have upgraded to the NuWave dac the low end is quite a bit better and now the sound is awesome with the balanced connectors. I was very happy with the sound with the RCA's but I can tell that XLR balanced cables are the way that both the Pass amp and Nuforce preamp were meant and designed to use.

[blackraven]

Harley, how do you like your Nu Force preamp? I really like the Model 9se amps, they are very tube like with great air, transparency and control. Does your preamp seem tube like?

[harley .guy07]

Harley, how do you like your Nu Force preamp? I really like the Model 9se amps, they are very tube like with great air, transparency and control. Does your preamp seem tube like?

I really like the P8 preamp. If you read any of the reviews online about it they will talk about how this preamp shows some qualities of tubes and I would have to agree. The midrange has a liquid type musical flow that would remind a person of listening to tubes but without the highs or lows being diminished or the bass not tight. I have hears some people say that the highs are bright with this preamp but I wounder what other components they were using because it is not bright at all in my opinion and a lot of reviewers have this opinion as well. This is one such review and even though he does say that the highs are dry compared to a tube pre he also said the P8 did things that most tube pres can't

NuForce P8 Preamplifier | AVguide

This review is the one that made me look for one of these back when I was shopping for preamps. I was actually looking at the Rogue Audio Metis or Perseus when I read this review then I liked what they said about the sound character of the P8. I liked that it had tube like qualities in the area where tubes are at their best, the midrange. And it had solid state qualities in the areas which they are better, the bass, treble, and the inner musical detail, and of coarse the noise floor. I know there are better preamps out there and I would love to have a Pass Preamp Like Mr. P's but I am happy with the Nuforce for now and my next move will be an upgrade in speakers. I am still in school for another year or so so I am trying to hold off until I get out to throw down a chunk on speakers. I know I should wait because I don't want to mess around with the step process I want to really upgrade into something I can own for years and cherish and if that means spending more so be it.

[blackraven]

I just paid for the amp today. It should ship out on Thursday. Its time to get energized about my system again. During the summer I sort of lose interest in listening to music due to the nice weather. Now that fall is here and the temperatures are dropping, I will spend a lot more time listening to music. The summers here are just too short to spend it indoors.

I will finally post some pictures of my gear once the Pass is set up.

Feanor, I tried to send you a PM but your box is full.

[Feanor]

I just paid for the amp today. It should ship out on Thursday. Its time to get energized about my system again. During the summer I sort of lose interest in listening to music due to the nice weather. Now that fall is here and the temperatures are dropping, I will spend a lot more time listening to music. The summers here are just too short to spend it indoors.

I will finally post some pictures of my gear once the Pass is set up.

Feanor, I tried to send you a PM but your box is full.

I'd be frantic waiting if I were expecting an X250. As it is, I'm going to stick with my CLD SDS for a while, at the very least 'till after Christmas. I'll be getting my ARC LS9 preamp tomorrow with any luck.

My PM books is now less full, BTW.

[blackraven]

Well the amp arrived safely today according to my son. However, I am stuck in Vegas till tomorrow night. I would like to get on a plane now and go home. I will post my initial impressions late tomorrow or early Thursday. My son opened the box and found a certificate of authenticity from Pass Labs showing that the amp was sent back to them and that it checks out in perfect condition. He says that the amp is in perfect cosmetic condition. I am psyched about this amp. I just hope that my preamp and dac measure up. I don't have the most resolving tubes in my preamp and DAC right now, just the warmest sounding, I am sure I will have to do some tube rolling.

I would like this amp to be the last amp that I purchase till I am old and deaf and have to give it to my son.

[Feanor]

I was browsing Audiogon earlier and there are a couple of preamps that caught my eye-

There is an ARC LS16 with HT by pass for $1,600 and a BAT VK 3iX for $1,650. I could be happy with either one. But unfortunately I can't afford either one right now. I may sell my Van Alstine Ultra plus Hybrid Preamp. I will just have to see how things sound with the Pass.

No doubt your X250 will sound great even with the RCA connectors. Balanced would gilding the lily.

I would have preferred a tube preamp but, new or used, they are more expensive than solid state, especially balanced and with remote control. So an LS16 seems pretty ideal for me but at $1600 it would be almost twice what I paid for the LS9.

By reputation ARC tube stuff is relatively cool and closer to solid state; BAT is warmer and darker, so they say. Sonic Frontiers, e.g. the Line 1 which I owned, is relatively cheap but the reason for that is that it's very solid state-like; also the company is out of business though if can be repaired by Parts ConneXion.