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XP25 vs Reference Phono 2 SE

Has anyone compared these two wonderful phono stages? I have heard the Pass in the context of an all Pass system and was impressed. Would be upgrading from a Herron unit and wonder if maintaining a tube unit, even with the non tubey 6H30 tubes would be a benefit to my otherwise solid state system. If you own either of these units I would like to hear from you and what you considered before purchase.
teeshot
7 responses Add your response
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Mark at Reno Hi-FI will let you audition the Pass unit in your system before deciding to purchase.
teeshot OP
123 posts
 
To answer the question above, I have the Herron VTPH-2. My table is the basis 2500 signature with a Vector 4 arm and my cartridge is Ortofon Winfeld. My biggest concern is that because I have a solid-state preamble, whether I will miss having a tube phono preamp if I go to the solid-state unit
thekong
203 posts
 
If you have the chance, you may want to try a dual Pass Xono set up (using 2 sets of Xonos, and only use one channel on each), I think you will have a pleasant surprise.

In a phono shootout among my group last year, we ranked the dual Xono right up there with the ARC Ref2 SE.
dgarretson
2,588 posts
 
I've only heard this ARC unit at shows, where it sounded very good. I've lived with an XP-25 for a year and a half. Its higher 76db SS gain setting is very quiet--which has been useful in handling LOMC cartridges down to .05mV and .06mV without a SUT(Ortofon MC2000 and Stanton 981LZS.) Does the ARC use a SUT to get to 74db?.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Not having heard either I would chose the Pass simply from a system synergy stand point and given the fact you heard it and liked it. Which Herron (VTPH-2 or and older model) do you have now?

Chuck
mordante
511 posts
 
If you want to spend that kind of money IMHO it would be a shame if you only looked at those two great phono stages. There are many more you should look/listen at like.

RCM THERIAA
and
Van Den Hul Grail (SB)
infection's avatar
infection
805 posts
 
Try the Whest PS.30RDT, SE version &/or the Ref V.

I have the PS.30RDT into an XP-20...sounds amazing.

James Henriot (owner) is really helpful.
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