The Pass Labs XP-20 Pre-amplifier changed my perspective on the importance of a pre-amp and held its place in my listening room for a many years only to be replaced by its sibling the XP-30 in my main rig.
Pre-amplifiers have come and gone in my home, but the XP-30 just gets out of the way of the way, and helps let the music just slide…
Pass Labs has a history of not updating products often (great for customers) and only refreshing when they have really stepped up their game! We’re excited to see the Pass Labs XP line get a refresh at AXPONA.
The XP-20 Pre-amplifier released in 2008 will be replaced by the new XP-22 Pre-amplifier. From the Pass Labs press release:
The new XP-22 uses double shielded, low-noise toroidal transformers in an external supply connected via aviation-grade circular connectors using silver over oxygen-free copper. The power supply is dual mono, with two transformers offering lower radiated and mechanical noise. Noise is the most prominent part of THD+N at low levels, so by lowering noise we get better resolution and dynamics.
The XP-25 Phono Pre-amplifier released in 2018 will be replaced by the new XP-27 Phono Pre-amplifier. From the Pass Labs press release:
The new design uses double-shielded, low-noise toroidal transformers in an external supply, connected via aviation-grade circular connectors using silver over oxygen-free copper. The power supply is dual mono with two transformers with lower radiated and mechanical noise. Noise is the most prominent part of THD+N at low levels, so by lowering noise we get better resolution and dynamics.
The XP-27 input and gain circuitry are similar to that found in the Xs Phono. This means switching and loading is done at higher signal levels, minimizing noise and improving low level performance.
We look forward to giving these a whirl! Currently we have a Pass Labs INT-250 on review in my second smaller system. Stay tuned for the detailed review.
See you all at AXPONA.
–Mohammed
