2. amps-preamps
  3. 1311118184

Pass Labs XP10 or Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE

This thread is intended for those who have experience with both preamps, primarily. But feedback from those who have one or the other is welcomed.

I really like the idea of a no-gain preamp. I normally wouldn't consider something like the W4S for my set-up, except that what it lacks in appearance (external), it seems to actually possess(internal). I have a Pass Labs X250.5 which has 26/30 dB of gain on it's own. While I would love to have an aesthetically matching/pleasing system (all Pass), the sound still has to determine my purchase. The W4S could also potentially save me some coin in the process.

I am currently unable to hear either preamp so I am trying to get impressions from current owners of either, or both, product(s).
jbreezy5

Showing 1 response by aljordan

aljordan
46 posts
 
I realize this thread is a bit old, but I have listened to both the W4S and the Pass XP-10 in the same system. I was initially interested in the W4S because the buffer / active design seems well thought out. Unfortunately, I found the sound of it to be quite thin even in comparison to another buffer (the Pass B1 buffer).

I found I liked the performance of the Pass XP10 better than both the W4S and the B1 buffer. It is very transparent in the mid-bass and midrange, with better control in the low bass and better presentation in the high frequencies. I will point out that the amps I use have a very low input impedance, and finding a good matching preamp is tough.

Alan
More to discover