1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 196110-111061

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
 

I would strongly suggest that you reach out and speak with Aric at Aric Audio. As many have mentioned already throughout the AG Forum Site, his gear is fantastic in build quality and sound, and his customer service is without peer. 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,485 posts
 

Pass is an avid amp designer. When he started to realize he needed to produce a preamp he hired someone else to do it. I’m not sure how it works today but his amps still outshine his preamps.

oberoniaomnia
363 posts
 

Interesting thread. Have a similar rig with a Naia Aphelion2/SS Zephyr. I have looked at the Aric as well, but it has no adjustable settings, as far as I can see. For my taste, the Zephyr requires rather higher impedance around 1KOhm, while the Aphelion 2 is best at 100 Ohm. Both are MC and Aric recommends a switchable SUT. Zesto has a SUT with more levels of adjustments, which make quite a difference in my rig.

Sorry, don't have any recommendations, looking around myself. Plan on going to Vienna next year for some further inspiration. Zesto, Sutherland, and Rega have been on my list as well, but I am taking Pass off [have an XA25]. Currently have an EAT eglo petite, but not going to full eglo as EAT does not respond to customers inquiries at all.

dishman442's avatar
dishman442
83 posts
 

Find some recent reviews of the pass labs preamps and phono preamps. I’ve not seen a single review that didn’t rave. Many reviewers end up buying the preamp for their system. 

toronto416
320 posts
 

Accuphase and Luxman make good phono preamps - not sure how they compare to Pass.

More to discover