Pass Labs XP10 or Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE


This thread is intended for those who have experience with both preamps, primarily. But feedback from those who have one or the other is welcomed.

I really like the idea of a no-gain preamp. I normally wouldn't consider something like the W4S for my set-up, except that what it lacks in appearance (external), it seems to actually possess(internal). I have a Pass Labs X250.5 which has 26/30 dB of gain on it's own. While I would love to have an aesthetically matching/pleasing system (all Pass), the sound still has to determine my purchase. The W4S could also potentially save me some coin in the process.

I am currently unable to hear either preamp so I am trying to get impressions from current owners of either, or both, product(s).
jbreezy5

Showing 2 responses by eugene81

For me, the W4S did not sound thin at all. On the contrary, images were quite dense and saturated, maybe even more so than my Conrad Johnson CT-5 (though not as delicate or refined). This is exactly the reason it replaced my Placette Passive while giving up just a smidgen of transparency. This is also a trait highlighted by the 6Moons review.

Alan, what amp were you using and what input impedance? I ran it with a Pass XA30.5 and Luxman M-600a at 23 Kohms and 51 Kohms, respectively.

I suppose, as with all things, YMMV.