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Upgrade from Pass Xono - Recommendations

Looking for a equivalent or an upgrade from the current Pass Xono which I need to leave it on all the time! I need a phono amp with a high gain since I'm using a Lyra Helikon SL. But no tube phono amps please... Any advice will be much appreciated.
shsohis
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
What issues are you having with Xono or where do you want to improve? Leaving it on seems to be your only complaint (but that is somewhat common for SS gear to sound it's best)

Just curious before I offer advice, Thanks
shsohis OP
119 posts
 
The main issue is that I bought a Nordost Thor power conditioner recently and the I left it on all the time to power the Xono. The Thor is running very hot and consumes too much electricity. That is why I'm keeping a lookout for a worthy SS phono amp which does not need to be left on all the time to sound its best.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,161 posts
 
Of course I think there are tube phono sections that are better, but one of the better, maybe best solid state phono sections I've heard is the Tom Evans. Seems to me it is kind of pricey- about $10,000 if I recall right.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Some time we did a comparison with XONO, Groove +, Tron Seven, Whest 30, PS Audio GP, Klyne 7 Phono
Sonically all preferred the Klyne 7
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Still not clear on the objection to tubes, but for SS Rauliruegas' (A'gon member) Essential 3150/3160 phono/line preamp is about the best I've heard.

It came reasonably close to my Doshi Alaap and didn't seem to need much warmup (though owners would know more). Not cheap, but you didn't mention a budget.
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