Published gain of the Pass X2.5, X1

Forgot to add-

This preamp uses class A gain stages throughout, again irregardless of input/output type.

This is a fully-balanced design, so S-E input signals are converted to balanced internally to allow the common mode noise reduction circuit to benefit even unbalanced signals. However, there are still definite advantages to using fully-balanced connections both in and out with Pass stuff.

If you have further questions, you may want to call Pass Labs themselves. They are exceedingly customer-friendly and open to these types of questions.

Thanks Bhouser,

Now it makes sense.

Hey,

sounds like you own a Pass, am I wrong? If so, can you recommend it. I'm thinking of going tube instead, an Audio Reseach. I'm trying to achieve the best of both worlds by mating it with a SS amp.

I currently own Pass X-250 & X-3 amps, and will be receiving a new Pass X2.5 preamp tomorrow, actually.

I too have considered tubes in a preamp, but have decided to remain on the fully-balanced SS side since I am already there with the Pass amps, just for system synergy sake along with the points made above (impedance matching, gain settings, etc).

I don't know if all that really matters in the grand scheme, but I have no chance to audition comparable products in-home, so I try to avoid gambling too radically by using educated guesses gleaned from research of online reviews and conversations like this one. It's still a crap-shoot, as everyone hears things differently, but that's when you start to appreciate the Black Art that is involved in this horribly finicky (and expensive) hi-end audio world!

Sorry I couldn't give you any comparisons.