Thanks everyone, but I’ve already returned the Pass to the dealer. I spent hours trying to eliminate the XP-22 hum, and dealer said wobbly XLR connection is normal on Pass Amps, so I had to pay a hefty restocking fee.
Speakers weren’t the issue - I tried 8 pairs from 87 to 104 dB with known impedance curves. On the 87dB and 91dB speakers, I had to turn the volume to 80/99 for engaged listening.
Sonically, the X250.8 was superb, dynamic, punchy, refined, and a huge soundstage. However the XP-22 didn’t wow me over as much as my Don Sachs Model 2 Preamp with the X250.8.
I’m looking for something similar sonically to the X250.8 (but with a better user experience).
I’ll look into the Atmasphere, Ayre, and BAT...
Speakers weren’t the issue - I tried 8 pairs from 87 to 104 dB with known impedance curves. On the 87dB and 91dB speakers, I had to turn the volume to 80/99 for engaged listening.
Sonically, the X250.8 was superb, dynamic, punchy, refined, and a huge soundstage. However the XP-22 didn’t wow me over as much as my Don Sachs Model 2 Preamp with the X250.8.
I’m looking for something similar sonically to the X250.8 (but with a better user experience).
I’ll look into the Atmasphere, Ayre, and BAT...