Anyone auditioned Pass Labs XP-30 preamp?

Hthaller,
Thank you very much for that informative and detailed write-up. I have the XA160.5 and XP-20 and Xono. Based on your experience, would I be better served by replacing the XP-20 with the XP-30, or the Xono with the XP-15 or XP-25?

Like you, I have deep Pass Labs experience rather than broad. I've owned the Aleph 3, 5, 2, the Ono, Xono, Aleph P, X-1, XP-20, XA160, XA100.5 and XA160.5. I've always wanted to meet Mark Sammut and the guys at Pass.

It's a great company with great products. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Peterayer,

Thanks for your comments. I appreciate it.

Given the cost of the XP30 and XP25, I think the biggest bang for the buck would be to trade up to the XP15. Or maybe the XP25 if you spin a fair amount of vinyl. I have not heard both phono preamps back-to-back in the same system, but Mark Sammut characterized the XP15 as providing 70% - 75% of the (sonic) benefits of the XP25. Of course, the 25 has the front panel adjustments, which is a really nice touch.

For me, I find myself listening to vinyl about 30% of the time, using an "entry-level" high end cartridge (Dynavector Karat 17D3), so found the extra investment in the XP25 tough to justify. However, the XP15 was a definite step up over my Xono, and the sonic benefits were immediately apparent.

As for the XP30 vs the XP20, I think I'd have to live with both for a few days and listen to a greater variety of source material to make the call if the extra view is worth the climb. (Mark, as you know, allows a 10 day test drive.) What I heard in the comparison in Reno was that the XP30 was superior - notably with respect to a wider and deeper soundstage and a bit more of that overall "tube-like ease" (especially with the XA amps) but, apart from that, the XP20 held its own. I came away from that session with a clear sense that I was definitely missing something by not having the class A monoblocks, but didn't come to that same conclusion with respect to the XP20.

Cheers,

I'm a big Pass fan. More of the amps than the preamps. I agree with Thaller's assessment of the Pass trajectory based on ownership of the X0.2 and the XP-20. more resolution and lower noise floor and throw in some better bass while you're at it. Ultimately, I still found the 20 too 2-D and lacking texture so I hope the 30 makes that leap. It wasn't the amps in my system as they are still the same. My current ARC preamp dramatically changed everything that I was missing. There's as much detail but it sounds much more natural. I expect the Ref 5 would do the same so it's not that it's an unfair comparison but I can't be sure.

Barrysandy,

I've got to take exception to your comment the XP-20 isn't
3D.
My system is currently an Electrocompaniet EMC1-up, Pass XP-10, and Rowland 625, into Sonus Faber Concerto Domus floorstanders. (1) James EMB-1200 adds some low end.
This system is as 3D as I've ever owned. All my current speakers are 2 ways. I just like 2 way speakers better, in my room.
My XP-20 is sitting in the box until I install my Apogee Stages - the speakers I bought based on past experience
with Apogee Mini Grands.
If The ARC preamp you mention works better for you, I'd suggest system synergy.
I'm familiar with Magnepan. My first panel speaker was the MG3.3R.
I'm also familiar with the Pass Aleph 2s. I just sold mine, after 10 years.

I also am quite pleased with how holographic or 3D my system sounds with the XP-20. However, this was improved by placing the XP-20 and other components in my rack on Vibraplane and Townshend Seismic Sink isolation platforms. The increased isolation allows very subtle ambient cues captured on some recordings to become apparent through the system. I think it has to do with superior needle/groove contact. I don't know what is happening when I put my SS electronics on the isolation platforms, but the sound improves and one area of improvement is imaging and presence.

The XP-20 is very good in my system and I'm sure the XP-30 is even better, though I have not yet heard it.