Pass Labs Xono vs. Aesthetix Rhea


Has anyone had both of these phono stages in their system?.
I may be adding a TT soon and these were recomended to me.
What are the strengths and weakness of these two phono preamps.

Thanks
jonniem

Showing 1 response by peterayer

I have the Xono in an all-Pass electronic chain. As Syntax writes, it is silent, with plenty of gain and very reliable. What some find sterile, analytic etc, I find transparent. Like a good pre, I don't want to hear the phono. I just want an accurate RIAA curve and gain, and flexible loading. Perhaps I am hearing synergy with the Pass pre and class A amps, but it is far from cold/sterile/analytic. I have little experience with other phonos and plan to try the new Pass XP-25.

I agree that you should try many competing units in your own system to be sure.