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Pass XP12. Tame, Anemic?

Hi,
just got a Pass xp 12 pre and it seems very “tame” “un-dynamic” it’s very nice and transparent but rather bland and doesn’t seem “alive” kind of “sleepy@.  I also expected more and tighter bass than my 6h30 tube pre.  I have on a trial and awaiting a LTA mz3 next week to compare.  Anybody experience this? Is the xp22 noticeably more dynamic? I’m pariing with Pass xa25 and Klipsh Cornwalls.  I never would have thought I had to worry about the Cornwalls sounding too tame. 
Thanks for any perspective 
caglioti
caglioti OP
33 posts
 
Using Blue Jeans rca cables.  It’s a demo, not sure how many hours on it. I’ve had it turned on for about 24 hrs. Yes I thought I wouldn’t be able to over tame the horns...but I think I have.
Erik, I respect a lot of your info, what are your reasons for not having high regard for Pass? I really would like to hear your general thoughts on this brand.  I am researching Luxman, I have the impression they are generally a more neutral, dynamic sound? 
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,516 posts
 
You need a tube preamp. Some Kimber PBJ interconnects and AQ type 4 solid copper speaker cables. 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,699 posts
 
+1 russ69
Tubes!!
krelldog
323 posts
 
Leave your XP 12 on for at least 5 days before deciding its true sound.

I bought a demo...and this was the instructions from Reno HiFi.

Its a fabulous pre amp...give it a chance.

BTW- its designed to stay on all the time.
laaudionut
264 posts
 
I have owned the both the XP20 and the XP30 and yes, they both were anemic(a description that I have used several times on separate threads), and un-musical in my set up...and they were feeding Pass mono amps to boot. He makes fantastic amps, but the preamps are underwhelming to say the least. I went to a tube preamp(Aric Audio Motherlode) and never looked back...a great pairing with solid state amplification! Ditch it!
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