2. analog
  3. 1308933107

Want new phono amp, what should I buy?

I have a Sota Star Nova turntable with an SME V tonearm and will soon have a Sota Cosmos 4 turntable. I curently have a very low hour Zyx 4D cartridge with the Gold Coils, Purist Audio Designs 1.2m Venustas Rev C tonearm and a Zyx Artisan Phono amp. The rest of my system is Pass Labs XP 10 Pre-amp and a X350.5 power amp with a set of built to the max True Soundworks (Rich Murry) Apogee Duetta Ultimate Signatures speakers. I think the weak link in my phono rig is my phono amp. I would like some recommendations for my audition list?
thesoundhouse

Showing 4 responses by peterayer

peterayer
1,382 posts
 
You've already got a Pass pre and amp, why not the Pass XP15 or XP25 phono stages?
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Swamp,
I think I was at that same demo in CT a couple of years ago with those phono stages you describe. I completely agree with your recollection about which sounded best. I would only echo what others have said that each system and personal taste varies, so the best way to be sure is to audition the options in one's own system if possible.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I've got the Pass Xono with the XP20 and XA.5 amps. It' a good match. I've read that the XP15 is better than the Xono and the XP25 is a significant improvement over that. Remember that one convenience of the XP25 is the easy loading via front panel knobs. Spend some time finding the best settings for your system before making any buying decisions. Also, these units are meant to be on 24/7 and I was told that to sound their best they need to be on for a few days at least, so keep them both plugged in while evaluating their performance. You might also want to contact Kent at Pass for advice.

Please let us know what you think of these Pass units once you've had them in for a while.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Any updates?
More to discover