Pass Labs XP-25 Outputs

@testpilot yes spot on and thank you.

@alan60 , yes you can connect both the single ended and xlr outputs of the Xp-25 to your preamp (both outputs are live at the same time) BUT, most preamps will only let you select one input at a time, therefore, you can only toggle back and forth between rca  and xlr. Was that your question?

@lewm as I have stated before gain/volume is not the issue, my question was can l use the XLR and RCA outputs simultaneously connected to my preamp.

Anyway people thanks for all your input and advice.

Keep in mind, your TVC linestage is a passive device. It adds no gain to the signal.  Most active linestages can add at least 10db or more of gain. So you are fully dependent upon phono stage gain.  Like benjie says, you need to up the gain setting on your Pass XP25.

@karl_desch I suppose it's horses for courses, I tried this with my friend also listening we both felt that putting it through the SUT gave it more tonal colour, body and musical engagement. Of course there are 3 variables in that yours is an XP-27, with a different SUT and cartridge. I would be interested to know you phono stage history as to how you arrived with the XP-27.

@benjie as stated before I don't have a gain/volume.

I have an XP-27.  I use both outputs simultaneously when I am recording a record.  RCA to my A to D converter and XLR to my preamp. I'm sure you can use both outputs in an XP-25.

I tried out a SUT (!:15 Bobs Devices) to see if my Lyra Etna SL would sound better that way versus the MC settings.  I much preferred the MC settings without the SUT in the middle. YMMV.

@rdk777 I am using an Ortofon SPU Royal N with a 1:20 SUT.

@alan60 - what cartridge and SUT (ratio) are you using with the XP-25.  

Thanks.

RK

@benjie sorry but gain is not the issue, my question was can l use the XLR and RCA outputs simultaneously connected to my preamp, and you definitely don't need to use XLR throughout the chain to get the the full gain from the XP-25, you only need phono stage to pre. I use a MFA TVC preamp which has 24 x 2db steps and when I use the RCA output I need 3 more steps on my preamp to get the same volume as XLR output.

True balanced circuit vs single-ended circuit will if properly designed have 6db more gain than its equivalent SE circuit, all other things being equal.  Which is to say that if you ground one phase of a balanced circuit, you get an SE circuit with 6db less gain.

@benjie what I said was that the 'RCA output being 6db less gain' as compared to the XLR.

I know that Pass Labs preamps drives both the xlr and rca outputs and manual says it’s okay to use them simultaneously. 

@lewm thanks for your response/advice.

In response to your question I'm running into the gain setting at 53db with the resistive value set at 47k ohms. So basically it is set to MM input.

I would consult Pass Labs before doing that.  Is there a switch somewhere that selects single-ended vs balanced output?  If so, maybe.  If not, then don't.  But do consult them.

I have a question.  You wrote, "I am currently trying out a Pass Labs XP-25 phono stage and enjoying what I am hearing, particularly with an MC Step Up Transformer feeding into it vice using the MC settings available."  I suspect there is a typo in here somewhere.  Tell me you are not running an external SUT into the MC inputs, but if you are, it's surprising if you like the result.