Results 1 to 17 of 17
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December 10, 2020, 07:54 PM #1
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.Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Avantgarde Duo XD, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated.
Conrad Johnson GAT2, Misho Myronov Wooden preamp.
Misho Myronov Wooden amp, First Watt SIT-3 (x 2 - one as backup), Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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December 10, 2020, 08:14 PM #2
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
Joe what makes you believe that Pass house sound is drastically different preamp to preamp?
Serge
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December 10, 2020, 08:46 PM #3
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
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..Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Avantgarde Duo XD, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated.
Conrad Johnson GAT2, Misho Myronov Wooden preamp.
Misho Myronov Wooden amp, First Watt SIT-3 (x 2 - one as backup), Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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December 10, 2020, 09:00 PM #4
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
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.Serge
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December 10, 2020, 09:07 PM #5
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
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.Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Avantgarde Duo XD, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated.
Conrad Johnson GAT2, Misho Myronov Wooden preamp.
Misho Myronov Wooden amp, First Watt SIT-3 (x 2 - one as backup), Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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December 10, 2020, 09:11 PM #6
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December 10, 2020, 09:14 PM #7
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
I thought the twenty is different but it is still only XLR outputs...
Serge
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December 10, 2020, 09:28 PM #8
- Join Date
- Dec 2019
- Location
- USA
- Posts
- 651
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
I own the XP-22. It’s exceptional. Here is a comparison between the 22 and 32:
Pass Labs XP-32 First Critical ListenSincerely,
Calvin
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December 10, 2020, 09:29 PM #9
- Join Date
- Jul 2015
- Posts
- 652
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
I have the XP-20 two-box preamp and it sounds terrific. Definitely not too solid state if you know what I mean. Using it as I write to drive an 845 tube amp. Perfect combination! Liquid gold!!
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December 10, 2020, 09:42 PM #10
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
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.
Bud
Lumin X1 file player
Sony XA-5400ES SACD
Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
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December 10, 2020, 09:47 PM #11
- Join Date
- Mar 2017
- Location
- North Carolina
- Posts
- 573
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
I believe PeterA did a very detailed comparison of the two preamps in another forum before replacing his 22 with a 32.
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December 10, 2020, 10:36 PM #12
- Join Date
- Jul 2015
- Posts
- 652
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
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
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December 10, 2020, 11:20 PM #13
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
Bud
Lumin X1 file player
Sony XA-5400ES SACD
Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
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December 11, 2020, 12:08 AM #14
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Location
- Los Angeles
- Posts
- 1,674
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
You should entertain the idea of a TVC- Music First being a popular one. Inexpensive, too.
Brinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Premier DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> YG Acoustics Hailey 2.2
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December 11, 2020, 12:25 AM #15
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Avantgarde Duo XD, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated.
Conrad Johnson GAT2, Misho Myronov Wooden preamp.
Misho Myronov Wooden amp, First Watt SIT-3 (x 2 - one as backup), Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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December 11, 2020, 01:54 AM #16
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
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
YMMVSource: Technics SP10mk3 - Thales Simplicity II, TW Raven AC-3 - Graham Phantom, SME 3012-R, Exclusive P3,,Linn LP12 - Naim ARO
Cartridges: Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Lyra Etna SL, Lyra Delos, Dynavector XV-1s,Technics EPC100mk4, Ortofon A90, GM Royal, GM Classic, Denon ESC'd 103R, DL-S1, Audio Technica AT25, OC9II, Linn ESC'd Troika
Phono Stage: Accuphase C-37,TW Acustik phono
EQ: DEQX HDP-4
Preamp: D'Agostino HD, conrad johnson GAT,
Amps: conrad johnson teflon premier 8a's, D'Agostino Momentum S250
Speakers: Wilson Maxx3
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December 11, 2020, 02:26 AM #17
Re: Has anyone compared the Pass XP-22 to the XP-32?
Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Avantgarde Duo XD, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated.
Conrad Johnson GAT2, Misho Myronov Wooden preamp.
Misho Myronov Wooden amp, First Watt SIT-3 (x 2 - one as backup), Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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Hello Ken, Now that you've explained you didn't realize I was the author, things make sense. I'm glad you enjoyed the report. No, I'm not in the NYC area. Dre
Vandersteen Kento Carbon...