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Pass Labs XP-10 & XP20 Users

I recently got a XP-10 preamp. It provides tremendous clarity, a deep and wide soundstage, nice seperation of instruments, lower bass, better defined bass, and a touch of warmth (which is a plus in my system).

It has been in the system for a couple days now, and I am thrilled with the results. This thing is so resolving (without being harsh), that my friends and I could hear differences in the sound depending on how we spiked and isolated the XP-10. A sand bag on top also changed the sound. I will pick a final setup once it finishes breaking in this weekend.

I am using this in a 5.1/2.0 system. The Bypass function is setup on input 5 which is an unbalanced input. My Prepro has both Balanced and Unbalanced outputs. In theory the balanced outputs coming out of the prepro should sound better, so I have it routed through Input 1 and manually set the volume to max and Gain to 0.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks about these preamps? They seem pretty straight forward. It seems the only setup/optimization may be related to spikes, isolation, and weight placed on top of the unit.
dmccombs
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,455 posts
 
Zenieth, Just talked to Kent at Pass Labs. His repley was, "Todays XP-10's are the same as the first run XP-10's. No difference".
zenieth
381 posts
 
Ozzy, Thanks for checking into this. I'm curious now as to why a reputable dealer would make that comment? Never the less, the XP-10 is the direction that I'm going.
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
Does anyone have an opinion on the XP-10 vs. the preamp section of the INT-150? The integrated has preamp out capabilities and seems to offer the same functionality as the XP-10, though I believe it does not have any gain. Of course, the two share a chassis and all of those integrated vs. separates arguments. Still, I'm wondering if, for not a lot more money, you can basically get an XP-10 plus an X-150.5 and still have the ability to try other power amps if you want.
zenieth
381 posts
 
I just ordered the 250.5 and the XP-10. I'm going from a BATVK300x Integrated. I can't see how the 150 pre amp section can be what the XP-10 is. Your are at a disadvantage with the one box unit. The BAT seperates ( amp / pre ) beat the VK300x hands down. I'm sure I'll find the same is true with the Pass products. I'm excited to be able to choose either pre or amp verses having no choice at all.
aljordan
46 posts
 
Hi,

The Pass Labs XP10 has indeed changed. However, it is a software only change, removing the switchable high / low gain settings and automatically switching to the high gain setting at a certain point on the volume control. This was done because the Asian market did not like the switchable high / low gain feature. There are no circuit changes, and the sound of the preamp is exactly the same.

Maybe the reputable dealer wanted to ensure that you bought a new unit instead of a used unit.

Alan
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