PASS LABS XO.2 Preamplifier 3 Chassis or Pass Labs XP-10

Hi @jahatl513.  I recently upgraded to a Pass XP-22 from a XP-10 which I enjoyed for over 6 years.  There should be more XP-10 and 20s available now that the newer models are out.  I have not listened to the older X units but can say that the XP-10 is an outstanding pre.  It is dead quite and transparent and will pair synergistically with any XA amplifier.  I would feel very confident that the newer Xp-10 would outperform the older x0.2 but never had the older models in my system.

Karl_desch, Thank you for the thought. I would prefer a XP20, but will accept a 10. I did purchase an XA25 after communicating with Nelson on the subject. I don't want to short the experience with any less of a Pre.  How is the 22?

JAH

I’ve owned the XP-20 for about 1.5 years now, picked it up used for $5k.  Swapped out from a McIntosh c2500.  I’ll second Karl’s sentiment, the XP-20 is dead quiet.  Literally, you can hear what “black” sounds like.  It’s extremely transparent, and doesn’t over do any one sound characteristic.  Not too bright, no bottom end bloat.  Quite literally, it’s perfect to my ears.

Toddcowless; you remind me of a good point I read in some reviews if I remember correctly, the XP-10 has bass plus, but XP-20 has bass in a controlled, subtle and appealing way. I've had some great CJ pre's like GAT version2, ET-7, and have an ET-5 and Premier 16LS2, and Premier 17LS. The most quiet were GAT -2 and ET7 as well my ET5. I can not say the Premier 16/17's are at all noisy, but they are warm and inviting with detail still. The XA25 arrives next Friday and I have a weeks worth of burn in till listening. Thanks for the XP-20 thoughts. I'm thinking.... 

Karl_desch, the upgrade to the 22 from the 10, is it worth the $$ spent? 

@jahatl513 

 

i know this is years old… I own a premier 16. I just heard a INT150 I bought for a friend in my rig and have never been so musically connected. Like can’t stop listening to music   
 

what were your experiences moving over?