Pass Labs

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by PlanarSpeakerFan

Nice photo Dan, thanks!

It's certainly a possibility. My first task is to upgrade my digital front end. Then, I'll try an in-home demo of the XP-20 or XP-30 sometime next year to see if it yields any improvement to the sound compared to without preamp.

Ken

Ken.......Thank you. Yep, a Pass Labs preamp would create the perfect synergy for your system with those amps.

[Ritmo]

Ken,

I've had my Salon 2s for about 3 yrs. Very happy with them. Have considered getting the Pass XA200.5s. Glad you are pleased with the XA100.5s.

[GaryProtein]

I use the Pass Labs XVR1. It is a critical component in my system.

[BlueFox]

This summer I upgraded my pre to a Pass Labs XP 20, and love it. Over the July 4th break I had a few to many beers, and ordered two Pass Labs X600.5 amps. These guys run in class A up to about 100W, and then into A/B (or is it just B).

Anyway, this upgrade bought my stereo to a new level, and I doubt if I will be changing this part anytime soon. However, these amps are energy hogs, and in CA this cost money. My July electric bill was $250 higher from just having these amps two weeks. When they arrived I followed the schedule I used with my previous amps. I turned them on Thursday night, and left them on until bedtime Sunday night. Other nights I turned them on when I got home from work, and left them on until bedtime. Needless to say, after seeing the electric bill, they now get turned off every night.


However, there is a silver lining here. The power use of these amps pushed me to have solar installed. Once my meter is replaced, I will be selling electricity to PG&E during the day at a high rate, and consuming electricity at night at a lower rate. Now I can turn the amps on Friday morning, let them warm up during the day, and not spend a penny on electricity.

[jpspock]

Synergy between xp20 and xa100.5, but try with an arc ref5 or better SE and you will reach heaven.

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Mike - Great to hear that you are happy with your Revel Salon 2s, they are terrific loudspeakers. I love their neutrality, clarity and lack of coloration. They really are a clear window to the music.

BlueFox - Congrats on your XP-20 and X600.5 combo. You must be in heaven with the sound. And smart thinking to use solar panels to cut the electric bill!

[cma29]

Originally Posted by jpspock

Synergy between xp20 and xa100.5, but try with an arc ref5 or better SE and you will reach heaven.

I use an Audio Research LS5 Mk II line stage, which uses ten triode 6922 tubes in three stages, to drive a Pass Labs X250.5 and the sound I get out of that combo is excellent. By using premium Siemens E188CC tubes, the sound gets even better. I'm going to look for the super-premium CCa variation of the 6922 tube for added punch and realism.

The LS5 was produced in the mid-1990s and it is not difficult to get a good used unit for about $2000. In my view, it's a sensible way to upgrade to excellent tube sound without breaking the bank.