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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
decooney
2,565 posts
 

If you ask Nelson directly he will share his own awareness and support of his own customers running tube preamps with his Pass Labs amplifiers.  He told me personally its quite common, and referenced awareness of those who run the same Cary tube preamp I run now, fwiw. It was common years back to see ARC, Cary, VAC preamps paired up sometimes with Pass Labs amplifiers.  

He'll tell you, he's not a tube guy, and defers that business to others who really know tube components well, however... one exception, while not phono based...

and not exactly the same, Nelson did create his own version Korg NuTube Preamp kit for customers who wanted to experiment with it. I had conversations with Nelson when he was designing this and it was inspiring he was willing to give it a go! 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,468 posts
 

I ran Audio Research preamps with Pass amps for a couple of decades.

 

Also, Pass amps have been getting better in the last decade or so with better rhythm and pace /  mid range than ever before.

marktheshark's avatar
marktheshark OP
66 posts
 
@ghdprentice 

 

I've always like Pass Labs Amplifiers, X260.8 mono's,  phono stages,  wish I never sold my XA25. 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,468 posts
 

The XA series are great. 

gakerty's avatar
gakerty
176 posts
 

+1 to suggestions of renowned tube units.  I went from a Pass XP-15 to a Zestos Andros Deluxe2, and the improvement was pretty stark.  The Zestos, despite being tubed, seems just as quiet as the XP-15.  Good quality tubes help too of course, have some very quiet and superb NOS CBS 7729 in the 12ax7 spot, and Orion (made by Tungsram) The Zestos just brings more of everything to the table, including greater clarity and treble extension.  I got a good deal on a new model here on Agon, so I paid a good deal less than MSRP.... which is a lot.  $8+ K?  Honestly, with my room, my gear and my ears, the Zestos is probably where I will stop on the phono stage journey.  Highly recommended.

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