2. amps-preamps
  3. 180557-4104

Pass labs upgrade path

Hi there. I’m Currently running a X350.5 and XP20 with a Bricasti M1SE and PBN KAS speakers. 
 

I have budget to upgrade amp or preamp and am considering either a X350.8 or XP22 or XP30 as my next logical upgrade. 
 

I’m more inclined for a XP22 than anything else as I heard a XP12 in my system and it did sound much more like a live show but without the advantages of separate power supply. 
 

I have not heard a XP30 or a .8 amplifier so I figured I’d ask around and see if anyone had been in a similar spot. 
 

Thanks y’all. 

128x128systembuilder
jc4659
525 posts
 

@laaudionut Were you running single ended into your Pass amps from the Motherlode or did you have Aric provide you with balanced inputs and outputs?

marco1's avatar
marco1
496 posts
 

I think you'll get the biggest overall improvement going to the .8 series amps.  If you want to change preamps and want to consider tubes that's a totally different approach.  Some like it better.  I didn't.  In the case of Pass, their amps and preamps really have great synergy.

laaudionut
243 posts
 

The Motherlode has single ended outputs that fed the Pass amps, now a Coda Model 16. He also has gain control on all of his preamps I believe so it pairs well with most solid state amps.

zimmer266
21 posts
 

I’d recently tried an XP-12 in two of my systems. It was very impressive! The piece had enchanting detail, and one of the best volume controls that I’ve experienced to this point. In the end though, I preferred the XP 2.5, and an Aric Unlimited II, in their respective systems in terms of overall synergy. I was not prepared to build an entirely new system around the XP-12.

 

yoby
538 posts
 

@roadwhorerecords +1.  Welcome back Chuck.

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