Pass Labs XP22 bright

H

haygeebaby

New member
Joined
Jun 9, 2018
Messages
16
Guys
Anyone find the XP22 pre bright?
I'm pairing it with a XA30.8.

Using a KS1136 and have also tried KS1126 between the two units.
I usually run a ARC LS28 with the XA30.8.

I was not expecting the XP22 to be bright or harsh when the high notes are played. I also can't find any forum posts that mention this brightness - only about warmth - which I'm not really hearing or feeling with the XP22 / XA30.8 combo.

Has anyone experienced this and if so did you find a way to dull things down? i.e with a particular interconnect, cable, etc.

Thanks in advance.
 
Pass bright? That’s unusual. Stick with copper and Shunyata power cables. Make sure it’s fully broken in.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
 
I've not had the XP22 but the only time I experienced Pass preamps sounding less than stellar is when new without proper break in, it does take time, and this may sound crazy but if they are unplugged it will take about 24 hours to get back to where it was for sound. If you just received the XP22 leave it plugged in and you should notice some improvement with about 100 hours of play, that won't be fully broke in but should give you confidence it is improving. It's been a while since I had my Pass preamp so others may have a different time frame for beginning to break in. I remember it took a week but I can't remember if that's leaving it on or just a week of listening sessions.

Bottom line if it's new to you continue to use and relax you will eventually be very happy. I personally think the two Pass pieces will sound better together than using the ARC.

What speakers are you using?
 
I've been told that the XP-22 isn't a whole heck of a lot different from my XP-20, so I would have to also agree with others. No, the Pass preamp is nowhere near being "bright and harsh".
 
haygeebaby said:
Guys



Has anyone experienced this and if so did you find a way to dull things down? i.e with a particular interconnect, cable, etc.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

perhaps a longer / better aged whisky might help 'dull it down' ........ ;)

on a serious note, as the others have said and asked, speaker pairing, any other changes made to gear or your room ?
 
chops said:
I've been told that the XP-22 isn't a whole heck of a lot different from my XP-20, so I would have to also agree with others. No, the Pass preamp is nowhere near being "bright and harsh".
Click to expand...

You have to try the XP22 one day. It’s quite a bit better.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
 
My 22 is on full time. In fact I leave my 60.8’s on as well if not traveling. After break-in, it produced a very natural sound. I actually added Analysis Plus Silver Apex’s (along with Shunyata PC’s) to give me a little more edgy sound I was wanting! Otherwise copper is the way to go, it certainly shouldn’t be bright after break-in.
 
It would be helpful to know what you're coming from, the rest of the system and possible set up changes. I'm not a familiar with pass, but have never heard it described bright or harsh.
 
Mike said:
You have to try the XP22 one day. It’s quite a bit better.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...

As you know Mike, I just purchased the XP-20 a few months ago. I'm extremely happy with it so far. Maybe I'll consider upgrading a few years down the road when the new XP-24 comes out. :snicker:
 
Gents
I'm so sorry for the late reply. And thank you all for the feedback and comments.

The setup I've been using for the last 7 years has been ARC LS28 + Pass XA30.8 + Avantgarde Duo Omega. Shunyata Alpha NR power cables + Triton Typhon combo. Kimber 1136 from phono and digital sources. 1236 from tonearm and 1126 from pre to power. Grounding with Telos GNR. And lots more furutech, Waversa, comeback harmonix, and wbt goodies. Has always sounded amazing.

The LS28 went out for repairs. And it was a good time to try a Pass pre in the system. So I borrowed the XP22 from my local. So everything was well burnt in.

In the above setup - the XP22 added more detail and was quieter than the LS28. But the sound got harsh at the top - i.e trumpets and saxophones. This was a surprise to me as Pass doesn't usually follow this description. Thus - the post on the forum to see what others have found.

I did borrow the XP22 twice, and the second time I tried a different interconnect between pre and power. I think it was the Transparent Reference - that was correctly configuration for pass gear. It sounded slightly better but still not great.

I have come to the conclusion that in my setup the XP22 + XA30.8 + Duo Omega horns combo may not be the best combo. Perhaps tubes somewhere in the chain is needed to round things off smoothly.

The never ending search will continue I guess.
 
With that said - I will say that there is something special about the XP22 pre-amp.
The things it adds to the sound is impressive.
And the XA30.8 and XP17 phono I have - a joy to own, listen to, and live with.
I love Pass gear.
Definitely demo it in your setup if it is in your shortlist.

IMG_0805.JPG
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top