Rhea vs Pass XP-15

Mechans, how would you describe the differences between the two stages?

Yes, thank you. I'm more interested in learning how Mechans would describe their different sound. Sorry for being less than clear.

I own the Pass XOno and have heard the Rhea in a different system. But I have never compared the two directly. So, like the OP, I'm interested in how they sound different. I wish Mechans and others who have a preference for the Rhea would explain why they like it over the Pass. Dfhaleycko does provide a helpful opinion with a clear description.

Dhcod, I too feel the instruments being played, and that is with my Xono in my system. I find the XOno to be very transparent and silent. It adds very little to the signal from what I can tell and it has plenty of gain for a cartridge with .3mv output. The XP-15 is supposed to be even better, though I have not heard it.

I also have the XOno. Someone told me that the XP-25 is basically designed for those who have/need two phono inputs because they have two tables or two arms. It's also for those who like the convenience of front panel dials for easier loading and gain changes. The internal dip switches of the XOno are inconvenient at best. However, there are many more options. I load my Supreme at 84 ohms. That setting is not an option on the XP-25, but it is on the XP-15.

The XP-15 does have the same outrageous number of loading options that the XOno has, and they are even on the back panel so you don't have to remove the top plate for changes.

I don't know how the three compare sonically as I've never had the XP series in my system. It may be time to call Reno HiFi to do a demo for the cost of shipping. It's the only way to know for sure how it sounds in one's system and if it has the right loading settings for your particular cartridge/wiring combination.

Downunder, could you elaborate on the different sonics between the 15 and 25?

Thanks Downunder. I appreciate your perspective. The XP-25 and XP-30 are certainly on my list for the next two major upgrades to my system. It may be a while though. It's costing more and more to go up to the next level.

I now have the power supplies for both the XOno and XP-20 on the same shelves as the control units and I've been thinking about moving them to the bottom shelf and having both control units on the top shelf. If I hear a difference, I'll report back.

Well, I did move the power supplies down so both are on the middle shelf and both control units are on the top shelf. I measured the noise coming out of the speakers at full volume with my Radio Shack SPL. Tweeter 54 dB and midrange 65 dB before the switch. After the switch the noise at the tweeter was 61 dB and midrange 72 dB. So clearly the switch was bad with the power supplies under the control units even though they were on different shelves. The noise was 7 dB or so lower with the power supplies off to the side on the same shelf and not beneath on a lower shelf.

See system photo of rack for details. So, I agree with Downunder that these units are sensitive to location and distance from the power supplies. At normal listening levels, I hear no noise at the listening seat and almost none at the speaker drivers.