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Upgrade from Pass Labs XP15 Phono

   I really like Pass Labs equipment, and have had my Pass Labs XP 15 for 8 years. I am thinking of an upgrade. My system consists of Rega P10 turn table, rotating a Hana Umami Blue and Soundsmith Zephyr. XP15, Decware Sarah and Audio Note ANJ speakers. I would like the ability to tweak my gain and impedance settings without pulling the preamp out of the cabinet. I listen to mostly old school jazz, and have a budget of under $10k. A Pass XP17 doesn’t seem like a huge upgrade, but maybe a used Pass Labs XP27. Manley Steelhead RC seems like an obvious choice, maybe bringing down the cost with a trade in. Allnic H5500 is another consideration. Also, maybe matching the Rega P10 with a Rega Aura for more symmetry. The other question would be Tubes vs SS with this system, and how they may effect the sound. Thoughts or recommendations ? Thanks, Mark. 

 

 

marktheshark
laaudionut
320 posts
 

Pass amps are fantastic...most can agree with that statement. Their preamps, another story. I have had a few and have found them to be dull, lifeless, and anemic in sound characteristics. I went from SS amps and preamps, to pairing of SS amplification and tube preamp, and have never looked back. Yes, the Steelhead is a fantastic phone pre, and some have used it as a preamp as well with impressive results. Aric Audio makes some of the best bespoke tube gear on the market. Step outside of your comfort zone and I believe you will be rewarded.

 

Happy listening!

marktheshark's avatar
marktheshark OP
66 posts
 

Thanks laaudionut, the Aric Super MM/MC looks very nice. I agree with stepping out and being open minded. Having a preamp with readily accessible settings is convenient, but the simplicity of this amp added to my existing simple system is appealing. It really comes down to the best sound for my room. Also once you find the correct settings, there’s no need to muck around with them. And having them right down the road in Palmer Ma., maybe a listening road trip may be in order. I think Decware phono pre could be a good match as well, similar to the Aric. 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,492 posts
 

@laaudionut 

+1 Pass amps are great... Preamps and phono stages not so much. I've owned Pass for nearly 40 years.

I would look at Audio Research, Zesto, and Conrad Johnson for natural sounding, musical phono stages. 

 

big_greg
6,821 posts
 

I would throw Modwright into the mix with those mentioned above.  If you happen upon a pre-owned Herron VTPH-2A, snatch that up!

marktheshark's avatar
marktheshark OP
66 posts
 
Thanks @ghdprentice 

 

 AR, Zesto and CJ have been added to the research list. Why do you think Pass Amplifiers are good, but their preamps not so much? Stereophile magazine always has the XP 27 as highly recommended. What makes one really good and one not great? 

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