Passive preamps take more than they give back. The Townshend is not passive, it uses a 12VDC wall wart, so what you are buying is an $8,000 volume control. And Pass XA25 is far from the best amp. Keep looking, and have fun.
Pass labs upgrade path
Hi there. I’m Currently running a X350.5 and XP20 with a Bricasti M1SE and PBN KAS speakers.
I have budget to upgrade amp or preamp and am considering either a X350.8 or XP22 or XP30 as my next logical upgrade.
I’m more inclined for a XP22 than anything else as I heard a XP12 in my system and it did sound much more like a live show but without the advantages of separate power supply.
I have not heard a XP30 or a .8 amplifier so I figured I’d ask around and see if anyone had been in a similar spot.
Thanks y’all.