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Pass Labs 20 Years and Counting |
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Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#11
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The dealer I consulted also characterized the XP-17 as more 3D, revealing & detailed, but thought it was brighter, less warm, less smooth, and a bit lighter in the lows, giving it a slightly tipped-up balance vs a more even-handed balance in the XP-15. Did you hear any of these characteristics in your setup? I'm unfamiliar with the sound of Focal speakers. |
#12
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However, several factors make these perceptions questionable, even as a first impression: 1) The Hovland is definitely warm, and also rolls off the high frequencies (but in a very "musical" way.) So it is an adjustment to listen to a more extended, less "rich" sound. 2) I haven't been able to set up the Rockports yet, so I've only heard the XP-30 with the IRS Betas, which were overtly designed to be used with tubes, and almost always sound bright with solid-state. And I feel as if I've yet to get the crossover settings optimally dialed-in for the XP-30. 3) I'm temporarily using an old Adcom GFA-555 to power the bass towers while I get the power supply caps replaced on the Classe M-700s, so the bass is temporarily under-powered & unbalanced (since I didn't want to fiddle with active bass x-over settings, given the temporary nature of the Adcom.) So it's really premature for me to give a well-founded opinion. Although thus far I miss the warm, full and tonally rich sound of the Hovland, I also know that, in that regard, the Hovland was editorializing, albeit in a very satisfying way. I think most would find the XP-30 plenty warm in the mids. I should also add that, even in the system as it is, the XP-30 often seems able to "open a window", & provide an intangible sense of hearing the original performance in a more direct way. Last edited by Crumhorn; 10-27-2017 at 02:08 AM. |
#13
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Hegel P30 preamp : Hegel H20 power amp : Focal Sopra No 1 monitors : Dual JL Audio Fathom 110v2 subs : Lumin D1 streamer with SBooster BOTW power supply : Rega RP8 turntable with Apheta II moving coil cartridge : Lehmann Audio Decade Phono preamp |
#14
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#15
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I took the plunge!
After much back-and-forth, I pulled the trigger on the XP-15. (Also a Shunyata Delta NR power cord & a Synergistic Research Blue fuse.) Hope I can get it set up shortly after Thanksgiving. After it breaks in, I'll post my thoughts.
Thanks, All ! |
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