New Pass XS Series Preamp rumored

[mbovaird]

Apparently a new Pass XS preamp is rumored.

[joeinid]

My XP-30 is outstanding. I can only imagine this one.



Pass Labs Xs Preamplifier

Pass Labs' new Xs Preamplifier is the flagship complement to the Xs-300 and Xs-150 amplifiers. It applies lessons learnt from the XP-30 3-chassis reference and Xs amplifiers. The Xs Preamp is quieter than the XP-30 and has an even more improved power supply. In appearance it resembles the Xs amps and features two large chassis with true dual-mono topology.

Its circuit boards are fabricated from materials sourced from the military and high-speed computer sectors. Each channel's power supply with 100,000uF capacitance is optimized for low noise. Newly available silicon-carbide transistors drop noise below the XP-30. The high-bias class A gain stages employ a direct-coupled ultra-symmetric path, auto bias and DC compensation. An extra large high-definition dimmable 20-character display is easy to read.

The Xs Preamp comes with a remote control. Its rear panel includes 6 inputs, a tape loop, dual-power input connections, dual balanced outputs and variable outputs for bi-amping and use with multi-room systems.

[mbovaird]

Neither is my ARC REF 10 - but, wow - I bet this will be terrific. Must resist all XS amps too!!

[Still-One]

If I hadn't purchased (and so happy with) my Momentums I would probably own Pass amps now. After having something as compact as Dan's amps I am not sure I would want to live with the Xs series and their multiple large chassis. That said they sure are intriguing.

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by Still-One

If I hadn't purchased (and so happy with) my Momentums I would probably own Pass amps now. After having something as compact as Dan's amps I am not sure I would want to live with the Xs series and their multiple large chassis. That said they sure are intriguing.

That's funny - because if I hadn't purchased Pass, I would have bought Dan's amps!

[The Sandman]

Makes sense that an XS series preamplifier would be forthcoming, but doesn't it seem strange they would go back to a 2 box design when the XP-30 has 3 chassis?

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by The Sandman

Makes sense that an XS series preamplifier would be forthcoming, but doesn't it seem strange they would go back to a 2 box design when the XP-30 has 3 chassis?

Had you thought maybe Nelson decided nothing was gained pertinently with a 3 box design over a "conventional" 2 box design & put those R&D dollars back into a 2 box?

Bob

[The Sandman]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

Had you thought maybe Nelson decided nothing was gained pertinently with a 3 box design over a "conventional" 2 box design & put those R&D dollars back into a 2 box?

The XP-30 was only recently released and has been very highly praised. I doubt it would have been a 3 chassis design in the first place unless Nelson had found the configuration to be advantageous, and the reviews seem to bear that out. Re-reading the blog entry about the XS Preamp, it seems the two chassis are "oversized", so for some reason it was decided to consolidate - either for some kind of visual "symmetry" between the XS series amps and preamp or because the potential buyers of Pass Labs gear find a 3 chassis preamp implementation too cumbersome.

[joeinid]

Don't we still want Dan's amps?

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by joeinid

Don't we still want Dan's amps?

The Pass/ARC combo is so good, I'm almost afraid to mess with it. I MIGHT add the stereo version of Dan's amp one day.