AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > Manufacturers Forums > Pass Labs

Pass Labs 20 Years and Counting

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-21-2014, 01:32 PM
jeremyjustice's Avatar
jeremyjustice jeremyjustice is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New Orleans, La
Posts: 72
Default Entry to the world of pass labs preamps

Hi guys, I have recently been set down a whole new audio path. I have made the switch from my vintage McIntosh to a ummm, less vintage Threshold amplifier and passive preamp set up. I have been interested in Nelson Pass and Threhold gear since the early 90's when I was introduced to both Threshold and the audiophile hobby. So with the future in mind I want to get a Pass labs preamp that I can grow into.

Any suggestions as to which of the older Pass Labs preamps are the ones to look out for? I have read a lot of great things about the Threshold fet/10 preamp but wonder if I should go for a newer Pass design. I have been looking at the Aleph p preamp, mainly because there are a few around for sale right now, any good? what are the hits and what are the misses? any duds in the group?


The real limiting factor is my budget, I would like to keep it around $2000ish if possible. Any suggestions?

I really appreciate any and all help guys, all the best, Jeremy
__________________
Jeremy JusticeGentlemen of Distinction
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-21-2014, 01:42 PM
PlanarSpeakerFan's Avatar
PlanarSpeakerFan PlanarSpeakerFan is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,564
Default

Jeremy,

I would try a demo or previously owned XP-10 from Reno Hi Fi. It is a great sounding preamp that is also built like a tank. Mark usually has some tremendous deals.

Best,
Ken
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-21-2014, 01:56 PM
McPlanar McPlanar is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Northern IL
Posts: 1,003
Default

I've just made the switch in the other direction not because I found anything wrong with the Threshold but mainly because I missed the looks of the McIntosh.






Here's a link with a review of the Threshold... http://www.stereophile.com/solidprea...t10/index.html

PM sent!

Last edited by McPlanar; 04-21-2014 at 02:09 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-21-2014, 04:16 PM
watercourse watercourse is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: PDX
Posts: 64
Default

I've heard the X1 head-to-head with the XP-10, paired with the X150.5 and the XA30.5. The XP-10 has greater resolution, speed, and lower noise floor, while the X1 has more body, warmth and bass fullness. With my XA30.5 and speakers, I preferred a less lean presentation. Both are very musical, so you can't lose either way.

Build quality of both are stellar. The XP-10 has finer volume gradations and a nicer remote, and uses less energy, but is single chassis. The X1's display glass is less reflective, which allows you to see the display better - I found the XP-10's display hard to read.

I don't think you can find the XP-10 for $2k yet, but you certainly can with the X1.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-21-2014, 05:12 PM
jeremyjustice's Avatar
jeremyjustice jeremyjustice is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New Orleans, La
Posts: 72
Default

Thanks for all the info guys!

Dale I have been looking for that exact set up...until last night when I gave up and ordered a West ps30r phonostage.

I just wish Mr. Pass would put more then 4 inputs in his designs.
__________________
Jeremy JusticeGentlemen of Distinction

Last edited by Masterlu; 04-21-2014 at 05:23 PM. Reason: Posting of emails is not permitted on the Forum.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-21-2014, 06:13 PM
audio bill's Avatar
audio bill audio bill is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Chicago suburbs
Posts: 1,641
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jeremyjustice View Post
Dale I have been looking for that exact set up...until last night when I gave up and ordered a West ps30r phonostage
Jeremy - congratulations on your purchase of the Whest PS.30R phono stage. It is an excellent value which I find to be competitive well beyond its price. I should mention that more recent versions which have the gain and loading switches accessible by a removable panel are supposed to sound even better than earlier versions. Hopefully the one you're getting has the access panel. Please let us know how you like it once it has had adequate time to settle into your system.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-21-2014, 07:00 PM
jeremyjustice's Avatar
jeremyjustice jeremyjustice is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New Orleans, La
Posts: 72
Default

Will do Bill, I found a great deal on the Whest and just couldn't pass it up. It is on another level then the rest of the gear I have but I wanted something I could work around for a while, I think it will do the trick nicely.

I was also thinking it would work great running balanced with a balanced Pass Labs preamp.
__________________
Jeremy JusticeGentlemen of Distinction
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-21-2014, 07:41 PM
jeremyjustice's Avatar
jeremyjustice jeremyjustice is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New Orleans, La
Posts: 72
Default

So has anyone compared the Aleph p to the x1?

Thanks for the input guys, I know this is entry level stuff but you got to start somewhere.

All the best , J
__________________
Jeremy JusticeGentlemen of Distinction
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-21-2014, 07:46 PM
jeremyjustice's Avatar
jeremyjustice jeremyjustice is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New Orleans, La
Posts: 72
Default

Anyone compare the Aleph P to the x1? What about the Threshold fet/10 to a aleph p or x1?

Thanks so much for the info guys, I know these are entry level noob questions but you got to start somewhere. I really appreciate the guidance from those more experienced then me.

All the best guys, J
__________________
Jeremy JusticeGentlemen of Distinction
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-21-2014, 07:47 PM
jeremyjustice's Avatar
jeremyjustice jeremyjustice is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New Orleans, La
Posts: 72
Default

Anyone compare the Aleph P to the x1? What about the Threshold fet/10 to a aleph p or x1?

Thanks so much for the info guys, I know these are entry level noob questions but you got to start somewhere. I really appreciate the guidance from those more experienced then me.

All the best guys, J
__________________
Jeremy JusticeGentlemen of Distinction
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:29 AM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video