- Thread Author
- #21
Pass XS Phonostage
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
Frank,
I agree. There is no way it should be more expensive than the XS Pre, which has a MSRP of $38K.
Ken
- Thread Author
- #23
Haha....well, I asked Pass about this and they said "it costs more, because it sounds better."
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Myles B. Astor
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- Apr 5, 2013
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Like when this powerlifter was asked why he lifted such heavy weights and he turned to this scrawny reporter and retorted, "because you can't!"
- Thread Author
- #27
Let's not forget, the product has been a pain staking effort for several years now. Trust me, I've been asking about this product for months and was told about the number of people and hours that has gone into it. It still isn't "perfect" and won't be ready until May or so.
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You're right about this, Mike, they have been working on the XS Phonostage for a long time. Maybe they're trying to offset some of their R&D costs. Do you see yourself eventually buying it?
Ken
- Thread Author
- #29
I think so. My XS amp/preamp are at another level from everything I've ever owned. I still want a sweet tube amp - maybe 2301's or something for flavor, but otherwise my #1 buying target for 2015 is the XS phono.
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I think it has taken so long to get the Xs Phono out because they're having a problem making a product that can justify the price point they want to charge. The Xs phono was supposed to be in production in Q3 of 2014. I don't doubt it will be a fine phono preamp. I've never been one to back away from audio components because of price but I'm not playing the game this time around. The Xs preamp is good but I don't think it's any better than the $30k ARC Ref 10 which I had for a few months. My opinion Mike, I know you had one too and got rid of it. I didn't mind it too much when the Xs Preamp was priced at $38K. I thought it was worth it to not have to worry about tubes. But $45K for a phono preamp from a company who has only produced a phono pre the quality of the XP25? I don't think so. Don't get me wrong, the XP25 is a good phono stage but it is far, far from state of the art. Hell, I think the Moon 810 is better for the same price. I think Pass has gotten a little drunk on the unexpected sales success of their Xs amps and preamp and is jacking the price on the Xs phono because they think they can.
I'm going to save myself $15k and buy the ARC Ref10 phono. I'm only sorry I waited more than a year for the Xs phono only to find Pass has gone the way of so many other audio manufacturers and has now decided to chase the Asian fantasy dollars.
I'm going to save myself $15k and buy the ARC Ref10 phono. I'm only sorry I waited more than a year for the Xs phono only to find Pass has gone the way of so many other audio manufacturers and has now decided to chase the Asian fantasy dollars.
- Thread Author
- #31
I understand your frustration Frank. I personally was guessing the price point would be $35k. Maybe Pass will read some of the comments and have a rethink. Who knows?
- Thread Author
- #33
I've emailed Nelson to see if it's written in stone. Will keep you posted.
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Mike,
Good idea. Nelson and his team are very open to constructive feedback. There is a pricing sweet spot even in the luxury audio market. IMO, they are well above it. Best to let them know at $45K, some audiophiles will be looking elsewhere for a reference phonostage.
Best,
Ken
mep
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Really? You guys are going to tell Nelson Pass how he should price his reference phono stage based on what the market as you know it will bear? Some people will buy it just because it is $45k. Some other people will wish it cost even more in order to drive up the exclusivity factor. I honestly think there is no upper limit on prices for audio gear at the top tier of performance and looks. These were never intended to be mass market pieces sold at mass market prices.
As an XP25 owner, I can only hope that some of the technology from the XS pre and XS phono finds its way to the next generation of XP products like the XS amp technology filtered down to the .8 series.
I heard the XS Phono in a direct comparison to the XP30. The XS was clearly better, but it seemed difficult to justify the price difference for the gain in performance.
I heard the XS Phono in a direct comparison to the XP30. The XS was clearly better, but it seemed difficult to justify the price difference for the gain in performance.
mep
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Meaning what Ken?
audioarcher
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They do have cheaper phono stages in their line up. I understand everyone wants the best effort of the audio company they like, and it is disappointing to not be able to afford it right away. You can always pick it up used latter or ask for a good deal from your dealer.
It would have to sound quite amazing to be truly worth $45k in my book.
It would have to sound quite amazing to be truly worth $45k in my book.
The XS Phono will be 5X the price of the XP-25, the next one down in their line. This image looks like it may be a prototype for CES. Remember how the XS Pre from CES a couple of years ago looked different than the current production model.