New Pass XP-20 pre

BlueFox

BlueFox

New member
Joined
May 11, 2013
Messages
2,838
Location
Silicon Valley
After upgrading the power and interconnect cables in both my two channel and HT, I planned to take it easy for a while and recuperate the spent retirement savings. However, I knew that once I started upgrading my hardware I was going to start first with the pre-amp. Tuesday, I had the opportunity to buy my first piece of "used" gear, which is a 2 week old 'demo' Pass Labs XP-20 for $2100 off list, and no sales tax (keep that quiet). Plus, I got to split the payment over two months with no surcharge. Well, that's all it took to reel me in, so I bought it, and it arrived Thursday.


It is hooked up, and burning in (no on/off switch). After one day it already has improved, and the dealer said after 5 days it reaches its peak. So far, I love it. Everything musically is better. Of course, for what it costs, it better be. However, I am building my retirement system now, and once I retire there will be no more stereo purchases.


This has got to be my last purchase this year. Otherwise I need an intervention.
 
Congratulations Bud! Pass makes awesome gear and I miss my XP-30. Sounds like Mark/Reno gave you a great deal. He's an awesome dealer, and right about the break in. Enjoy!

PassXP-20-1.jpg
 
Congrats Bud, I had an XP10, it was just a fantastic preamp. I hope you enjoy it for many years !!
 
dlb2 said:
Nice pre Bud. What amp(s) are you using this with?
Click to expand...

It replaced a Cambridge-Audio 840E, and the amps are two Cambridge-Audio 840W in bridged mono mode. To be honest, I was very happy with the 840E, but I got tired of waiting for Cambridge to release the next generation. At this point in time, it appears Cambridge has abandoned the high-end, and is focused on the MP3 crowd.
 
Congrats, Bud! Pass makes awesome gear! Their midrange is to die for.:audiophile:
 
socfan12 said:
Congrats, Bud! Pass makes awesome gear! Their midrange is to die for.:audiophile:
Click to expand...

Thanks all. After two days I am getting acclimated to it. It certainly is a move up in musical detail. It always amazes me how something can be changed and you start hearing the same music in a different and better way. Right now, the single biggest change is more bass, and it is more focused and precise. I mostly listen to classical string quartet type music, and on some pieces I hear low end that I do not remember being there before. If not classical then I play female jazz singers, and it seems as if the bass player is in the room as you hear the music in a precise pace, and hear his fingers pluck the strings.

Between adding Shunyata Ztron Anaconda interconnects three weeks ago, and now this, the whole musical experience has become quite clear. Not so much in a harsh manner, but more in an unmuffled manner. The source is a Bryston BDP1 digital file player and a Bryston BDA2 DAC, and now they can really show their capabilities.
 
Bud, how do like the Shunyaya zitron ICs? I've been thinking about them lately. The Zitron anaconda PC is awesome!
 
socfan12 said:
Bud, how do like the Shunyaya zitron ICs? I've been thinking about them lately. The Zitron anaconda PC is awesome!
Click to expand...


I love them. They replaced MIT Shotgun S1.3 ICs. Everything from Shunyata I have used has been a step up. Other than the Shunyata Python CX power cables on my amps, every other cable in the stereo is a Ztron model, Anaconda ICs and speaker, Anaconda PC to the Triton, and Cobra on the gear.
 
This isn't a review, but after a week it is coming along nicely. At low levels it complements the Shunyata Anaconda ICs I added a few weeks ago. Everything is much more detailed, and precise, within the soundstage, and the soundstage appears a bit wider. This is mostly with classical music at low (70-80db) levels. Female jazz CDs show better bass, and greater clarity in their voices. I have heard a few times where it seems as if their singing occasionally goes off key, and I do not remember noticing that before.


Anyway, the biggest change so far appeared last night, and left me sitting with my mouth open, and laughing with pleasure, since it was an absolute surprise. Since today is the 4th I was able to stay up last night, listen to tunes, and drink beer. After about 4 beers I get into a R&R mode, so I starting playing some. When I cranked up the volume the soundstage literally expanded out to me. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It was huge, and filled in the whole triangle of speakers and chair. Instruments were at various levels, depths, and locations within it. I had never experienced anything like that before. This was way beyond a modest improvement. It is huge, and makes me glad I made this purchase.


Now I need to get some work bonuses, and a lotto winning, so I can get a pair of X600.5 amps. Does it ever stop? :exciting:
 
Congratulation Bud,

I just love those Ah ha moments. Wonderful!
 
Good stuff, I auditioned the XP-20, it's a great pre-amp & sounds like you are really enjoying the step-up in quality/performance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top