Xp20 - xp30

[jeromelang]

The xp20 is a big improvement over my previous x2.5
The new one is quiet. Able to play it at a much lower vol level and still hear the important details.
But I just don't like the way the new design looks.....
The x looks way cooler.

[rockitman]

I would LOVE to hear the XP-30 and one of the new XS amps OMG!

Won't be long for me....

[joeinid]

Won't be long for me....

You are indeed a lucky man, Congratulations! I am happy for you Christian.

[PeterA]

I own the XP-20 and had the XP-30 in my system for about ten days. I have the XA160.5 amps, Magico Mini 2 speakers and SME table/arm with the Air Tight Supreme cartridge. I found the 30 to be slightly quieter and more extended both in the LF and HF. There is also slightly less distortion, so everything sounded cleaner and clearer. The 30 also sounded more evenly balanced. With the 30 in the system I noticed that the 20 has just a very slight emphasis on the upper bass/lower midrange region. Without this emphasis the 30 sounded more natural and midrange and treble details were easier to hear. Overall, I would say the 30 is a bit more refined, nuanced and real sounding. However, the 20 is still excellent, and for now I can't quite afford to step up to the 30. For others, the additional cost may be a small price to pay for the improvement in sonics.

[slowGEEZR]

Thanks for the review PeterA. I'll be sticking with my XP-20 for a while.

[still-one]

I own the XP-20 and had the XP-30 in my system for about ten days. I have the XA160.5 amps, Magico Mini 2 speakers and SME table/arm with the Air Tight Supreme cartridge. I found the 30 to be slightly quieter and more extended both in the LF and HF. There is also slightly less distortion, so everything sounded cleaner and clearer. The 30 also sounded more evenly balanced. With the 30 in the system I noticed that the 20 has just a very slight emphasis on the upper bass/lower midrange region. Without this emphasis the 30 sounded more natural and midrange and treble details were easier to hear. Overall, I would say the 30 is a bit more refined, nuanced and real sounding. However, the 20 is still excellent, and for now I can't quite afford to step up to the 30. For others, the additional cost may be a small price to pay for the improvement in sonics.

Thanks for the comments. I am considering another pre-amp and from the reviews the Xp-30 interests me. I would prefer a one box solution (that may be a play on words since the Soulution is being considered too) Prior to your post I was wondering what the additional box would give me if I chose the 30 over the 20.

Jim

[wizard]

XP-30 inside





Alps used here too - from the manual "XP-30 volume control is totally new and sonically unique. It’s measured performance - distortion, bandwidth, noise, and resolution is beyond reproach. It preserves the dynamics and detail of the music passing through it, and scales this performance over its 100 dB attenuation range."

The power switch looks like costing $5.

[rockitman]

The power switch looks like costing $5.

There is no power switch on the XP 30 nor any Pass preamp products. Not sure what that comment is about ?

[wizard]

I've never used any Pass preamp, after reading the manual again - yes there is no power on/off switch.
It's looks like it's always on, so to turn it off one must unplug the AC power cable.

[rockitman]

I've never used any Pass preamp, after reading the manual again - yes there is no power on/off switch.
It's looks like it's always on, so to turn it off one must unplug the AC power cable.

That is correct. Pass recommends pre-amp power supllies remain on 24/7 for optimal performance.