2. amps-preamps
  3. 180557-4104

Pass labs upgrade path

Hi there. I’m Currently running a X350.5 and XP20 with a Bricasti M1SE and PBN KAS speakers. 
 

I have budget to upgrade amp or preamp and am considering either a X350.8 or XP22 or XP30 as my next logical upgrade. 
 

I’m more inclined for a XP22 than anything else as I heard a XP12 in my system and it did sound much more like a live show but without the advantages of separate power supply. 
 

I have not heard a XP30 or a .8 amplifier so I figured I’d ask around and see if anyone had been in a similar spot. 
 

Thanks y’all. 

128x128systembuilder
yoby
539 posts
 

@roadwhorerecords +1.  Welcome back Chuck.

roadwhorerecords
279 posts
 

@yoby 

👍

jl35
3,982 posts
 

I've enjoyed Pass amps with preamps from Pass, ARC, JRDG.  Also enjoyed Pass preamps with numerous other brand amps. I feel the Pass preamps took a big step forward when they went from the X to the XP models (more input from Nelson Pass I'm told)...

jc4659
551 posts
 

@laaudionut That Coda Model 16 looks like one helluva an amplifier.  It's still a beast like the Pass 350.5 I now use but what did you gain going to the Coda and was it worth it?

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

i have never tried a pass linestage... been a c-j and arc linestage guy since the 90's, they are sublime...  nowadays, streaming mostly all the time, the preamp has been bypassed altogether

but i still won't sell my et7-2 nor my ref 3

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