2. amps-preamps
  3. 180557-4104

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. 

128x128systembuilder

Showing 2 responses by marco1

marco1's avatar
marco1
499 posts
 

I think you'll get the biggest overall improvement going to the .8 series amps.  If you want to change preamps and want to consider tubes that's a totally different approach.  Some like it better.  I didn't.  In the case of Pass, their amps and preamps really have great synergy.

marco1's avatar
marco1
499 posts
 

@jjss49 Perhaps if I would have used the more "modern" CJ preamps like the ET series I would have a different opinion of how they sound with Pass amps.  The closest I got was the CT5 and Premier 16.  The PR16 with Pass I felt was too warm and while the CT5 was suppose to be an improvement, I never liked the "super tube" sound.  Thus I always stuck with Pass pre amps when using Pass amps.  I bet your ET7 would sound wonderful with a Pass amp.  Even though you mostly stream now, why don't you run it throught the ET7, since you have one?  Seems to me you would realize even better SQ?

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