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Pass XP30 preamp makes no difference (from dagogo) ? Wow! (active vs passive vs no preamp)

So I am considering a preamp upgrade. Right now have AGD HE9 into my Pass x350.8 and I do wonder if a better preamp would improve the sound further. Was considering a pass pre then came across this. Maybe i should consider just a passive balanced preamp for volume controls? Dac is Denafrips terminator.

https://www.dagogo.com/bricasti-design-model-1-usb-dac-review/
" so I proceeded to my ultimate test: direct comparison between having the Pass Labs XP-30 three-piece pre-amplification system in the equipment chain and taking it out of the chain. In my experience the Pass XP-30 is the most resolving preamp capable of delivering at very low levels – levels where you have to really be attentive to even hear the music in a dead quiet environment. Only when I got below 18dB did I feel like I was noticing a loss of detail, and even then I wasn’t quite sure. Since I never listen at such low volume levels, and I don’t know of anyone else who does, this was not a practical concern for me. Moreover, even at those very low levels I had to really listen to detect any loss in fidelity. Whatever Bricasti did to achieve it, the M1’s digital volume control is excellent. Note also that output gain is adjustable by setscrews from the back panel. "


smodtactical
jaytor's avatar
jaytor
765 posts
 
The Terminator has a fairly high output impedance (I also have one). I would not recommend using a passive preamp since you'd have to use one with a fairly high impedance to avoid putting to much load on the DACs outputs. Then you're be driving your power amp with a very high impedance source. 
smodtactical OP
979 posts
 
@jaytor thanks man will use a preamp then.
roysq
32 posts
 
I would agree with what has been posted thus far.  The Pass pre-amp's are quite nice.  I feel the XP22 is the best bang for the buck of the line-up.  But if you can swing the XP32... why not!

I felt the XP32 was better than the XP22, but not by much.  I did feel the XP22 was actually better than the previous generation XP30.  

But maybe that is what I wanted to hear... All are quite good!
smodtactical OP
979 posts
 
@roysq  22 beating the 30 is quite impressive wow.

Did you directly compare 30 to 32 ? I asked desmond what has change but he didn't give me any specifics.

Also I read at least 1 comparison that found XP32 much superior to arc ref 6. Did you compare any of these to any tube linestages ?
roysq
32 posts
 
@smodtactical 

Yes, 

I did try an AR Ref 6.  It's really good.  While I like a bit of the 3d soundstage that a tube pre-amp can add, I have found that newer DAC's can and should do the same thing WITH a good solid state pre-amp. 

The XP22 just did that for me.  Don't get me wrong, the 32 did the same, and might have been even quieter, but man it was splitting hairs.

As for the XP22 vs XP30.

It's SO hard to tell differences when you try to keep things in the same chain and simply swap quickly.  When it's obvious (like the XP12 to the XP22, and the Levinson sound vs Pass, or AR vs something else I found it easy to characterize that).  But between top units from the same company it was more splitting hairs for me.

It's really hard when you want to make sure the DB levels etc are all matched also.

But, FOR ME, that XP22 was a really nice sweetspot.  I could live with the 12 and would love the 32.  But I dug the 22 for the cash.

Now XP12 vs the REF6... closer and might lean REF6 for me.  
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