Thread: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?

I’m entertaining one of these as my solid state preamp (even possibly with a Pass amp) for a future speaker purchase I’m considering.

Full disclosure, I did have the XP-30 and honestly, I wasn’t too crazy about it. It was almost “too solid state sounding” for me if that makes sense.

I understand the 12, 22 and 32 are really in a new class. I love the fact that gain on these models is under 10db. A big plus for me especially with my Avantgarde.

Joe what makes you believe that Pass house sound is drastically different preamp to preamp?

Originally Posted by TheOctopus

Joe what makes you believe that Pass house sound is drastically different preamp to preamp?

I didn’t say drastically different but do realize more is usually more, as in better parts and better isolation.

I’ve seen user reviews about moving up the line and appreciating the upgrade. I’ve had Pass preamps in the past and while the overall house sound is similar, the higher end versions are better, quieter, have more separation, etc..

Originally Posted by joeinid

I didn’t say drastically different but do realize more is usually more, as in better parts and better isolation.

I’ve seen user reviews about moving up the line and appreciating the upgrade. I’ve had Pass preamps in the past and while the overall house sound is similar, the higher end versions are better, quieter, have more separation, etc..

Too solid state sounding as you mentioned and quieter, more separation and better does not always mean it will be liquid tube sounding either.

Have you ever auditioned an Ayre KX-R preamp? To my ears that was one of the best examples of how a solid state preamp should sound. Incredible resolution, detail, noise floor lower than the Mariana Trench. That preamp would spotlight the whole soundstage and shine a flashlight into the darkest, deepest recesses and corners and bring up the most subtle of details such as barely audible foot tapping, musician breaths in the distance, barely audible and the most subtle of sonic cues of the size of the recording studio, etc. At no point in time did I ever even think or pay attention to the fact it was solid state. It was all music. It thoroughly wiped the floor with any tube preamp I ever had but I still went back to my Lamm tube preamp because it still sounded more organic with the Lamm M1.2 hybrid monoblocks. Sometimes, you just need tubes Joe.

I’ve owned the KXR20 and liked it. I’m probably not buying one again. It has no RCA outputs and I don’t like using adapters.

I only refer to the XP-30 that I owned as too solid state sounding. The new ones are more liquid so I’m told.

Originally Posted by joeinid

I’ve owned the KXR20 and liked it. I’m probably not buying one again. It has no RCA outputs and I don’t like using adapters.

I only refer to the XP-30 that I owned as too solid state sounding. The new ones are more liquid so I’m told.

Well an audition would obviously reveal if that is the case. If you are taking a leap of faith without hearing it, I hope it all works out for you.

I thought the twenty is different but it is still only XLR outputs...

I own the XP-22. It’s exceptional. Here is a comparison between the 22 and 32:

Pass Labs XP-32 First Critical Listen

I upgraded the XP-20 to the XP-22, and it was a noticeable improvement. One issue with the XP-20 is that the interconnect cable between the two chassis is a piece of throw away junk. I had replaced it with an upgraded cable (forgot the vendor), and it really improved the sound of the XP-20. Pass recognized that weakness and now includes a much, much better interconnect with the XP-22. I never bothered with the XP-30/32 since it is a three chassis design that takes up too much room. The XP-22 coupled with Pass X600.5 amps is musical nirvana.

Originally Posted by RDSChicago

Bud, here's a link to your post for the upgraded umbilical cord. Is this the one you'd recommend? Review: Revelation Audio power umbilical for Pass XP-20 preamp — Polk Audio

Yes. That's it. Thanks. I had a stroke two years ago, and it scrambled my memory.

You should entertain the idea of a TVC- Music First being a popular one. Inexpensive, too.

Originally Posted by KeithR

You should entertain the idea of a TVC- Music First being a popular one. Inexpensive, too.

That did cross my mind.

I’m still in the early stages of thinking about it. My GAT2 is great and this might not make sense.

Originally Posted by joeinid

I’m entertaining one of these as my solid state preamp (even possibly with a Pass amp) for a future speaker purchase I’m considering.

Full disclosure, I did have the XP-30 and honestly, I wasn’t too crazy about it. It was almost “too solid state sounding” for me if that makes sense.

I understand the 12, 22 and 32 are really in a new class. I love the fact that gain on these models is under 10db. A big plus for me especially with my Avantgarde.

Personally Joe, given the preamps you own and have owned, I can't see you getting any long term satisfaction out of the Pass Labs preamps.
I owned the 20 for a couple of years and was happy to see it go. It did nothing wrong, but little emotionally right.

but, the new ones might be in another world better

YMMV

Originally Posted by XV-1

Personally Joe, given the preamps you own and have owned, I can't see you getting any long term satisfaction out of the Pass Labs preamps.
I owned the 20 for a couple of years and was happy to see it go. It did nothing wrong, but little emotionally right.

but, the new ones might be in another world better

YMMV

I know what you mean. I’m thinking the same thing. I guess I’m guilty of wanting what I don’t have.