Pass XS Phono....it's here!!!

[audio.bill]

There are phono stages that only have single ended RCA inputs, but that have balanced circuitry and provide both balanced XLR outputs along with RCAs. Some examples of these are the Audia Flight Phono and Whest phono stages. They claim that since most cartridge designs generate an inherently balanced signal, even when connected with RCAs the circuitry of the phono stage can be balanced to their XLR outputs and you can benefit from using those outputs if your linestage is a truly balanced design.

 

[Myles B. Astor]

Myles,

What advantages are you experiencing with balanced phono stage vs single end.....?

Two things are quietness and dynamics.

 

[slowgeezr]

There are phono stages that only have single ended RCA inputs, but that have balanced circuitry and provide both balanced XLR outputs along with RCAs. Some examples of these are the Audia Flight Phono and Whest phono stages. They claim that since most cartridge designs generate an inherently balanced signal, even when connected with RCAs the circuitry of the phono stage can be balanced to their XLR outputs and you can benefit from using those outputs if your linestage is a truly balanced design.

Just like my BAT phono stage. Love it. Of course that Pass XS phono pre must be exemplary! Congrats Mike!

 

[Mike]

Anyhow.....initial impressions are very high. Right away I notice so much more texture in the mids, tighter bass and sweet highs. The synergy is undeniable. It's also DEAD FREAKING quiet.

 

[MikeCh]

Anyhow.....initial impressions are very high. Right away I notice so much more texture in the mids, tighter bass and sweet highs. The synergy is undeniable. It's also DEAD FREAKING quiet.

That is just SUPER Mike! Glad it's impressive so far and certainly going to get even better as it breaks in. Congrats!

p.s. Did I miss it earlier in the post.....are you running all PASS amplification now with the Air Tight taking a breather?

 

[Mike]

That is just SUPER Mike! Glad it's impressive so far and certainly going to get even better as it breaks in. Congrats!

p.s. Did I miss it earlier in the post.....are you running all PASS amplification now with the Air Tight taking a breather?

Thanks Mike. Yes, all XS system tonight. [emoji106]

 

[MikeCh]

Nice

 

[a.wayne]

Thanks Mike. Yes, all XS system tonight. [emoji106]

Sweeet.......

 

[dlb2]

Very nice Mike. Now you just need a couple more turntables.

 

[Myles B. Astor]

Anyhow.....initial impressions are very high. Right away I notice so much more texture in the mids, tighter bass and sweet highs. The synergy is undeniable. It's also DEAD FREAKING quiet.

Once you hear REAL quiet in your analog front end, it's hard to listen to anything else. Makes you wonder how we listened to low output MCs, at least those of us who couldn't stand the sound of SUT then, in the'80s and '90s. Always wondered what a Monster Cable Alpha 2 would sound in today's modern arms on a modern table with a current low noise and high gain phono section. That was a sweet cartridge for its day but its output was so low in its day.

 

[annapolis Raider]

Once you hear REAL quiet in your analog front end, it's hard to listen to anything else.

+1, I run a balanced setup with the Gryphon....

 

[Myles B. Astor]

Once you hear REAL quiet in your analog front end, it's hard to listen to anything else.

+1, I run a balanced setup with the Gryphon....

Also the difference in transparency between two and multi-track recordings slams you over the head!

 

[MDP]

Congrats Mike, your patience payed off :yahoo1:

 

[Mike]

Congrats Mike, your patience payed off :yahoo1:

Thanks Mark. I can't believe I started talking to the Pass guys about the XS Phono in January 2014. I sold off my ARC REF5SE phono in anticipation. 18 months seemed like an eternity, but it was WELL worth the wait. I was up until the wee hours of the morning listening. All of the XS gear is so quiet, it just presents this seamless presentation from LP to Speakers.

I also noticed last night how much better the bass definition is. Bass notes have this uncanny realism.

 

[MDP]

Awesome Mike !!!

 

[madfloyd]

Congrats, Mike. I wish you had the XP-25 to compare it to. I have my sights set on an ARC Ref 10 phono at the moment, but who knows, maybe that will change.

 

[madfloyd]

Just noticed that Reno Hifi is not expecting their units until June 30th! Did you get the first one, Mike?

 

[Jerome W]

Anyhow.....initial impressions are very high. Right away I notice so much more texture in the mids, tighter bass and sweet highs. The synergy is undeniable. It's also DEAD FREAKING quiet.

Congrats Mike !
Looks like a terrific phono stage.

 

[the professor]

Thats great Mike. :woot:

Thanks Mark. I can't believe I started talking to the Pass guys about the XS Phono in January 2014. I sold off my ARC REF5SE phono in anticipation. 18 months seemed like an eternity, but it was WELL worth the wait. I was up until the wee hours of the morning listening. All of the XS gear is so quiet, it just presents this seamless presentation from LP to Speakers.

I also noticed last night how much better the bass definition is. Bass notes have this uncanny realism.

 

[PeterA]

Mike, what is the latest with the new phono? How does it compare to what you had previously? This must be one of the first units out there. Are you beta testing or is this a production unit?