Xs Phono

MadFloyd · Jan 13, 2015

I did prefer the XP-30 over the XS pre in my system. I might have felt differently if my system was different or if I still had the Alexias. The XP-30 is the only Pass preamp that has a generous lower midrange and that works well for me, producing a tube-like midrange that I adore.

That is not to say the XS pre didn't have its virtues. I wanted to love it sonically (I did prefer it ergonomically and aesthetically) but in my system it thinned out the midrange too much by comparison.

Alpinist · Jan 13, 2015

Hi Ian,

I owned the XP-30 for over a year. It is warmer sounding than the XS Pre, much more tube-like in its presentation. If you prefer the warmer presentation, it makes sense that you would prefer the XP-30. The XS Pre is extremely neutral and transparent to the source. How are the M Projects breaking in? You have some of the best speakers in the world.

Ken

PeterA · Jan 14, 2015

Bruce B said:
Peter, you seem to have taken on the responsibility of being a spokesperson for Ian lately.

Perhaps, though that is certainly not my intent. It is an extraordinary system that has evolved tremendously in the last two years. Some of the best equipment that I have ever heard has been in Madfloyd's system and I am very appreciative of the opportunity to experience it.

MadFloyd · Jan 14, 2015

Alpinist said:
Hi Ian,

I owned the XP-30 for over a year. It is warmer sounding than the XS Pre, much more tube-like in its presentation. If you prefer the warmer presentation, it makes sense that you would prefer the XP-30. The XS Pre is extremely neutral and transparent to the source. How are the M Projects breaking in? You have some of the best speakers in the world.

Ken

Thanks, Ken, good to know I'm not imagining those differences.

The M's are certainly evolving, but slowly and the character is still on the analytical side - at least compared to my S5's. I feel like the speakers are still 'holding back' in terms of dynamics, presence and slam. Hopefully that will change with more break-in (it's been a week so far).

Luiz Felipe · Jan 14, 2015

Christian or Sirs, someone has find the specifications of XS Phono ?

rockitman · Jan 14, 2015

Luiz Felipe said:
Christian or Sirs, someone has find the specifications of XS Phono ?

There are no published specs as of yet...

analog brother · Jan 15, 2015

rockitman said:
I'm just not moved at that price point for SS phono. The vac ref, arc ref 10, Lamm and Ypsilon interest me more.

agreed!

XV-1 · Jan 16, 2015

Wayne C from Pass confirmed on another forum

The XS Phono does have three separate input cards for each channel a total of six input cards. This avoids switching very low signals and it has memory for the loading positions..

rockitman · Jan 16, 2015

analog brother said:
agreed!

I will say if I hadn't known I installed the Pass XS pre today, I would of thought I installed the greatest tube pre ever. It is a mind blowing improvement over the XP30....

PeterA · Jan 16, 2015

rockitman said:
I will say if I hadn't known I installed the Pass XS pre today, I would of thought I installed the greatest tube pre ever. It is a mind blowing improvement over the XP30....

Congratulations, Christian. I understand the XS is not fully broken in yet, I think it takes about five days to reach its full potential. How would you describe their differences so far?

Bruce B · Jan 16, 2015

There must be a synergy you get from XS to XS that you don't get from going XS to XA

rockitman · Jan 16, 2015

Bruce B said:
There must be a synergy you get from XS to XS that you don't get from going XS to XA

That is what I am thinking plus the brute force ps for the pre. It is dramatic....much more than I expected. Music explodes.

rockitman · Jan 16, 2015

PeterA said:
Congratulations, Christian. I understand the XS is not fully broken in yet, I think it takes about five days to reach its full potential. How would you describe their differences so far?

Wholesale improvement across the board. Much more than I expected.

Sammy T · Jan 16, 2015

Good job, Christian. Have you taken a peek inside the XS Pre yet?

PeterA · Jan 16, 2015

So Chistian, does this XS Pre make you want to consider the XS Phono? As you know, Reno HIFI will let you demo for two weeks.

rockitman · Jan 16, 2015

PeterA said:
So Chistian, does this XS Pre make you want to consider the XS Phono? As you know, Reno HIFI will let you demo for two weeks.

If it turns out the phono can deliver the excitement I'm hearing in the pre....maybe. I will be paying attention to forthcoming reviews in the future.

rockitman · Jan 16, 2015

Sammy T said:
Good job, Christian. Have you taken a peek inside the XS Pre yet?

Not yet. I should of taken pics before I put it in the rack all connected. My bad...

XV-1 · Jan 16, 2015

PeterA said:
So Chistian, does this XS Pre make you want to consider the XS Phono? As you know, Reno HIFI will let you demo for two weeks.

Xs Phono

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