|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Apparently a new Pass XS preamp is rumored.
Last edited by mbovaird; 01-05-2013 at 09:55 PM. |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
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. Last edited by joeinid; 01-05-2013 at 11:37 PM. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Neither is my ARC REF 10 - but, wow - I bet this will be terrific. Must resist all XS amps too!!
|
#4
|
|||
|
|||
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.
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#6
|
|||
|
|||
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?
|
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Bob
__________________
Amps:VAC 450iQ Monos in Silver Flake on HRS M3X2-1921's, HRS G7 Footers/G-Links & Sound Anchor Conecoasters. Preamp:VAC Statement (on order) (Silver Flake) Digital Source: dCS Rossini CD/SACD Transport, Vivaldi APEX DAC, Upsampler Plus & matching Clock (Silver) Analogue Preamp:VAC Renaissance SE Phono stage in Silver Flake with XLR Output Option & with Nordost Valhalla XLR's. Analogue Sources:SME 20/2 w/SME V arm & Nordost Odin 2 Tone Arm Cable, Palo Santos Presentation Cartridge & Akai GX-400D Reel-to-Reel w/relapped heads by JRF Magnetic Sciences. Akai RC-17 cabled remote (original owner since 1974). Vibration Control:TT on HRS M3X2-1921 shelf. Speakers:Wilson Audio Alexia V (on order in Ferrari Argento Silver/Parchment grills sitting on Acoustic Diode Kit). Power Cables:4 Nordost Odin Supreme Reference on amps, preamp & DAC. Ansuz Acoustics C2 on Transport & Clock. Power Distribution:Ansuz Mainz D3 Distributor & Ansuz Mainz C2 1M Power Cable Power Outlets:Furutech GTX-D NCF (R) duplex outlet, GTX Wall Plate & Duplex Cover (x2) on dedicated, same panel phase, 20A breakers. Speaker Cables:2M Nordost Odin 2 Supreme Reference on Nordost Sort Lifts. Signal Cables:Nordost Odin XLR's on dCS DAC & Amps. Digital Cables: Nordost Odin 2's, 110-ohm AES/EBU on dCS Transport to DAC. Clock Cables:5 each 75 ohm 1.25M Nordost Valhalla BNC/BNC Digital Ethernet Cable: WireWorld Platinum 1M Starlight® 8 Twinax Headphones:Vintage Koss Pro IV AA. RCM: Audio Desk PRO Tube Test Gear:Mint late '60's/calibrated Heathkit TT-1A, MaxiMatcher Power Amp & Preamp & Space Tech Labs ATT-3.02 tube test sets. Last edited by vintage_tube; 01-06-2013 at 01:24 AM. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
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.
|
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Don't we still want Dan's amps?
|
#10
|
|||
|
|||
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.
|
|
|
Audio Aficionado Sponsors | |