Where to go from XP-15? XP-17? XP-25?
I run two arms on the Avenger, so it might suggest going to the XP-25 is an easy decision, plus the well regarded sound quality (I've heard the 25 a number of times, but not in my own system). OTOH the XP-17 is based on some of the same technology that's in the XP-25, plus it's a one box solution (I kind of like that). The questions out there for anyone who can help - has anyone been able to compare the XP-17 to the XP-25? How do they sound compared to each other? Would the XP-17 be considered a step up or at least equal to the XP-25? If the XP-17 is generally considered a must try next to the 25, I can always run it face into the rack and keep the back end exposed for tonearm and loading changes (not pretty, but effective).
I'm also a little concerned about any change in sound from the previous generation Pass gear to the new (12, 22, 17, 27). I've read, for example, multiple views back and forth between the .5 and .8 series amps, a few saying Pass' reduction in negative feedback and modification to the second harmonic character in the .8 are not to their liking. I hadn't heard if there's been such a (perceived) change in the small signal Pass devices.
Showing 12 responses by tonyptony
A long delayed update. After speaking to a bunch of other folks, including Pass' Kent and Desmond at AXPONA, I decided to go for the XP-17. I can't swing even a used XP-27, and both K and D use and prefer the XP-17 over the XP-25. While none of this means it will be the best choice in my own system, I'm hoping it points to a positive outcome. Ordered from Mark at Reno; should be here early next week. Interestingly, Mark feels the XP-25 does something tonally, and to the better, that the newer phono pre's do not. However, he does think the XP-17 is a definite improvement over the 15. According to him no one who has made that move has returned their 17. As I'm also trying to reduce the physical footprint of my gear (another two box Pass device was not the right direction for me), I think I made the right choice, all things considered. I guess I'll see. |
Well, when I spoke to Kent he said the new 17 and 27 have improved power and also lower noise (with of course the 27 being better still). Mark at Reno says I should expect a blacker background and improved dynamics. As I use some low output carts including an A95, I figured it might be a good step to take for me. |
@hpower, yes I did get it from Reno. All I can tell you is that I’m very happy with it. Sounds great, handles all my carts with ease, but as @dgarretson pointed out it is a little noisy with extremely low output MCs. Doesn’t bother me as I don’t use my Ortofon A95 too often, and even when I do I’m far enough away from my speakers to keep it from being an issue. Its sound fits my system very nicely. While I’ve heard the Modwright at shows (very nice), I don’t have any side by side experience with it. |