Pass Labs X-1, X2.5 preamp volume increments.


I have a xa30.5  and have been contemplating picking up a used X generation  preamp.   I think likely that particular generation  because the next is generally more than I would like to spend.   XP-10 etc.    And interestingly  the XP-10 does not have tape  in/output--- you have to go to the XP-20 to have that which will cost even more. 
  My question is quite simple and were I able to hear the pre in my system I would immediately know my answer.    I have read the manual and notice that  volume graduation is around 2 -3 db and this possibly may be inadequate when trying to volume down to a barely audible volume---such as I would need for my bedroom system.   I often keep music on into the night and turn it off at some point in the early am.   It would not be an issue in the main system because essentially just dont play at barely audible levels so I may still go for one if there are reports of a less than ideal volume range.    Do those who have used the X-1 or X-2.5 find the volume  control lacking in incremental  attenuation?      I do notice that many preamps in the $4 to $6k range often have  volume increments of   .5db..   Some ,  I forget which,  possibly BAT actually will have .5db at the lower end of the spectrum and when going up to higher volume will increase  1-2 db .  
Appreciate any experience others have had regarding this.
   Skip
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Showing 3 responses by skiroe

Oh,  I have spoken to Kent although not about this and may do that.  
Watercourse--- What is the Ono?   
Thanks much for the info..   (George)   re/source output,  amp gain,  speaker sensitivity---I hear where you are coming from---but--- just off the top of my head ..  would not a preamp that is able to do volume increments of .5db or even 1db  have more capability  of volume range  then a pre  that does it in 2 or even 3 db steps?  Seems to me it would..  (Watercourse)    And hearing of your experience with bedroom system of being a bit too loud at "1" setting is exactly what I was contemplating could happen.   I have had systems like that.    My speakers are 96db in the bedroom now and sources are rca likely around 2-3 v.    My bedroom system is now using a Creek passive pre but it is also hooked hooked into a Decware  Csp2 non remote preamp ... Sounds like a lot of signal routing doesnt it?   It sounds fine though but I think I have some redundancy going on and would like to get back to a  single active preamp with remote capability.  The Creek has a remote  but its passive which I like to think is not affecting the signal all that much.    What is nice about the Csp2 though is it has adjustable gain for each channel.  This system lets me get the volume down so low that one can leave it on all night and forget its on until you wake up and still be slightly audible were one to wake up..     Although, the thing here is I really wanted to put the Pass X-1 or X2.5 in the main system so as to run it with my XA30.5 which would be a first for me to actually run a pre and amp of the same manufacturer and see what that might unveil.   I can switch back and forth with the Pass or put the SF Line 1 in the bedroom where the tape deck is. 
Thanks again for the thoughts,
Skip  
Watercourse,    I neglected to acknowledge  the pertinent info  you gave regarding  low volume capabilities (or not) of the X-1 when in your system.    Sure there are variables involved ,  source output ,etc.   What you have conveyed though would seem to be in line with the info re/  volume control graduation of the X-1 and the X2.5 of which the manual,  if I recall correctly,  refers to a  3db volume increment in the X2.5.  I came back to check this post and realized again that  these earlier Pass pre's may not lower to barely audible setting.   When checking specs of volume control on many of the $2k plus preamps older and newer production it is often note that a .5 db increment is available.