[Wind Chaser]

Prometheus TVC?
Transcendent Ground Grid?

Or am I better off spending a little more on an integrated amp like the Rogue Sphinx / Naim Nait 5SI?

[JLM]

Mapletree Line 2C: $800 USD, uses two 6SN7GT or 12SN7GT tubes, 3 inputs/ 3 outputs, options available, looks DIY

Decware Zstage:  $649 USD, class A, single ended triode, uses single 12AT7 or 12AU7 tube designed for long life (no power switch), single input/output

What features are you looking for?

[poseidonsvoice]

Prometheus TVC?
Transcendent Ground Grid?

Or am I better off spending a little more on an integrated amp like the Rogue Sphinx / Naim Nait 5SI?

As long as the input impedance of the Crown is > 20k ohms, the sound of the Crown XLS is to your liking (!!), and the overall gain of your system as it stands is enough for satisfactory music listening I would look at a DIY or full built version of the Tortugaaudio LDR; I would choose this over the Promitheus TVC unit in a heartbeat:

http://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/ldr3-v2-passive-preamp/

Best,
Anand.

[Rusty Jefferson]

At just above your $1k price point is the Berning MicroZOTL, a preamp/head amp/amp.  There are a couple reviews in the works about it's use as a dedicated preamp. With an output impedance of about 2 ohms, it'll drive anything.  Don't let the tubes hold you back.  It doesn't sound tubey, and it's exceptional for the cost.  I think they offer a 2 week home trial.

http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-preamplifiers/stereo-preamps/linear-tube-audio-microzotl-2.0-headphone-amp-preamp-review.html

http://www.lineartubeaudio.com/microzotl/

[rodge827]

A preamp for a Crown XLS requires gain, a lot of it!
I use one with my Dspeaker Dual Core and an iFi iTube as buffer with 6db gain. This combo works very well but down the road I hope to get a quality tube preamp. Sorry, I don't have any specific brand to mention in you budget range. 

Chris 

[mcgsxr]

I have tried a couple of options.

Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11 (passive).
Pioneer AVR
NuForce AVP-16 (XLR outputs)

I list them in reverse order of preference above.

I found the passive to not offer up enough umph with the Crown 1500.  The Pioneer was better, and could work fine.  The NuForce is another level.  I suppose it could be that the hotter input to the Crown makes it happier (there is lore out there than using the XLR inputs is the route to satisfaction), or it could simply be that the volume control in the NuForce is better implemented.

The iTube referenced above has a great reputation.

I have not had a tube preamp to try, but would personally only look for one with XLR outputs if the XLS amps are in your future. 

[maty]

I think is better you comment your system before.

• To play good recordings or only commercial music?
• Room size?
• Listening distance?

[md92468]

Audio by Van Alstine just announced an $899 preamp...I've not heard that particular model, but his gear is very well regarded...not sure you can do much better (new) at that price point.  You can read about it here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=140919.0

[Wind Chaser]

Thanks for all the responses. As for features, I'd like at least two inputs. Not interested in DIY. Black face is essential.

The Berning OTL and Van Alstine look interesting, but I don't know much about the Crown. Can't find anything on its input sensitivity / impedance.

[mcgsxr]

The Crown input sensitivity is 1.4v.

Full specs here, as well as the link to the current model, the 1502.

http://www.parts-express.com/crown-xls-1500-power-amplifier-2-x-525w-at-4-ohms--245-502

[maty]

XLS old and new:

Crosstalk: @ 1 kHz >85 dB; @ 20 kHz >55 dB   

Allright to subwoofer and woofer but not to the tweeter, like more class D amplifiers (to listen good recordings).

[Wind Chaser]

The Crown input sensitivity is 1.4v.

Full specs here, as well as the link to the current model, the 1502.

http://www.parts-express.com/crown-xls-1500-power-amplifier-2-x-525w-at-4-ohms--245-502

Thanks, Mark. That is helpful.

[srb]

Crosstalk: @ 1 kHz >85 dB; @ 20 kHz >55 dB

-55dB is a perfectly acceptable crosstalk value @ 20KHz for humans.  Not sure if that might affect stereo imaging for dogs.

[maty]

Yes, it is acceptable... but not ideal (to listen good recordings, usually jazz, classical... ).

[maty]

Yamaha P-S Series -70dB

-> http://www.yamahaproaudio.com/global/en/products/poweramps/ps_series/specifications.jsp


PAS 2002PCA crostalk -80dB, CMRR 90dB, SNR 110dB,...

-> http://www.thomann.de/gb/pas_2002pca.htm

[Folsom]

My amp doesn't have great crosstalk specs, nor does XLS. You could never tell by ear with either. I don't think it's the most interesting value to look at. It just doesn't correlate well with what you'll hear.

[srb]

My amp doesn't have great crosstalk specs, nor does XLS. You could never tell by ear with either. I don't think it's the most interesting value to look at. It just doesn't correlate well with what you'll hear.

Bryston and McIntosh don't even publish crosstalk specs for their stereo power amplifiers.  Hmmmm .....

Simaudio does publish crosstalk specs for their top of the line Moon Evolution stereo power amplifiers.  They are rated at -105dB @ 1KHz, but they don't even rate them @ 20KHz.  Hmmmm .....

I guess those amplifiers are all real stinkers. 

Steve

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I would consider the new AVA tube preamp or the Vincent Audio SA 31 hybrid preamp.   I like the Vincent as it has tone controls which I believe may be defeat able.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VISA31&variation=BLK&gclid=CjwKEAiAgKu2BRDu1OGw3-KXokwSJAB_Yy2QzZdY-Xmgzsuor_ZBj4ln3ZrXnCkloCH3rhIpiwNMKRoCqoHw_wcB

The Grant Fidelity DAC/Pre is a nice piece and I own one but it has low gain.

But personally, I would by a nice integrated like the one's you mentioned. Also consider the  Peach Tree Nova 220se and this Yamaha-

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1040005&gclid=CjwKEAiAgKu2BRDu1OGw3-KXokwSJAB_Yy2Qb08hHD9XBKrT7lM1QMsvmlMwvMH-0JHSSWKQ3dWxxRoCQ1Xw_wcB&is=REG&ap=y&A=details&Q=

[Tone Depth]

Do you presently own the XLS amp? If so, would you be planning to use it for a PA system? If used for a home stereo system, it may not have the fidelity you desire.

Prometheus TVC?
Transcendent Ground Grid?

Or am I better off spending a little more on an integrated amp like the Rogue Sphinx / Naim Nait 5SI?

[Wind Chaser]

Do you presently own the XLS amp?

Nope, but it is a consideration.

...would you be planning to use it for a PA system?

Definitely not.

If used for a home stereo system, it may not have the fidelity you desire.

Apparently it is supposed to sound very good. But I may still go with an integrated amp. I just want to get a handle on my options.