I am running an Ayre K-1xe into my Pass X350.5 but the Ayre has too much gain and I'm rarely listening with the volume above 9:00. I was wondering if the Pass xp-22 is a sideways move at best from the Ayre since the K-1xe was a great preamp in its time. Can anyone comment on this comparison?
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.
Showing 6 responses by jc4659
@laaudionut Were you running single ended into your Pass amps from the Motherlode or did you have Aric provide you with balanced inputs and outputs? |
@yogiboy Yes, switching to the single ended outputs of the ayre pre should help but those are currently being used to drive a subwoofer. The above pre suggestions have me intrigued! |
@laaudionut That Coda Model 16 looks like one helluva an amplifier. It's still a beast like the Pass 350.5 I now use but what did you gain going to the Coda and was it worth it? |
@jjss49 Thanks for that analysis! I really should get out and listen to the newer versions of preamps from both companies. It's been awhile! |