Pass Labs XP-20 for life?

[PASSFREAK]

Hello guys.
I have a brand new XP-20 preamp upgraded with a Revelation Audio Labs Passage Cryo Silver Reference DB-25 umbilical powercord between the 2 chassis.
I own this beauty after read a lot of amazing reviews of very serious people and specialized magazines.
I really love this preamp and the umbilical cable upgrade brings a new level of excellence.
In your opinion, is a preamp to keep with me for life and forget the preamp thing?is that good enough?
I listen a lot of reference level ultra expensive preamps (Soulution, MBL, Esoteric, Goldmund, Accuphase, Simaudio Moon, Krell, McIntosh, Jeff Rowland, Mark Levinson, Cary) and i feel that the differences are minimum in overall sound quality, some preamps sounds smoother, some sounds with a little differences in bass slam, but any sounds MUCH better than other.
This preamps don't sounds better at all compared with the XP-20, only sounds different.
I had the possibility to compare the XP-20 with a Krell Evolution Two (4 chassis preamp that costs 5 or 6x more) and the Krell sounds a little bit "fat" in the bass area and VERY little smoother in the highs compared with the XP-20, for sure the Krell don't sound 5 o 6x better as the price.
I am ready for your oppinions

[TOGA]

Quite agree with you. But there are differences between them. But not exactly relate much to how much you pay. Difference does not mean better. XP20 value for money is very high.
But I hate Pass user interface. I hope it to show input name. I want it to respond more quickly to remote controlled volume change command. I want its MUTE function to perform more smoothly. Sonically, it is very tranparent. I like it more than my ML 326S and Moon P8.
Toga

[PASSFREAK]

Originally Posted by TOGA

Quite agree with you. But there are differences between them. But not exactly relate much to how much you pay. Difference does not mean better. XP20 value for money is very high.
But I hate Pass user interface. I hope it to show input name. I want it to respond more quickly to remote controlled volume change command. I want its MUTE function to perform more smoothly. Sonically, it is very tranparent. I like it more than my ML 326S and Moon P8.
Toga

You are right, there are differences between reference level preamps, no doubt....but is reasonable to spend maybe 15/20k more for a maximum 5% better sound as much?and if you only can hear this 5% better with excellent recordings only?

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by PASSFREAK

You are right, there are differences between reference level preamps, no doubt....but is reasonable to spend maybe 15/20k more for a maximum 5% better sound as much?and if this 5% you only can hear with excellent recordings only?

It's the law of diminishing returns.

[PASSFREAK]

Originally Posted by Cohibaman

It's the law of diminishing returns.

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by PASSFREAK

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to dissuade you. At the level you are at, it costs a lot to move the needle just a little.

[PASSFREAK]

Originally Posted by Cohibaman

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to dissuade you. At the level you are at, it costs a lot to move the needle just a little.

You are right man, i think the same as you say.
At this level you need to invest a fortune for very, VERY! little gains

[kzhtoo]

It also depends on other variables in the system. With my previous speakers, cabling and power conditioning, I didn't hear much difference between XP-20 and other preamps. But after improving these, it made a world of difference. I now use Ayre KXR.

[turntable]

The Pass XP-20 is a wonderful sounding preamp and for the price just about the best. I owned one for 4 years until I sold it about a month ago.

I also own the conrad johnson GAT preamp. It really is in another hifi world as far as sound goes.its faster, more extended top and bottom, has a more expansive sounstage , especially in depth, better detail, smaller more controlled volume steps, can drive any amp tube or ss to its best and overall puts you closer to the musicians and the music.

But, it is a lot more expensive. My advice is to not listen to the GAT as that additional expense may no longer be important

Cheers