Pass Labs XP-22 Pre-Amplifier
The new design uses double-shielded low noise toroidal transformers in external supply.
The new design uses double-shielded low noise toroidal transformers in external supply.
The new design uses double-shielded low noise toroidal transformers in external supply.
“Nelson Pass’ name is on the front door of Pass Labs and for good reason. He is very possibly the most important amplifier designer to walk the Earth. Here’s something that not every audiophile knows but is true, though: Nelson doesn’t design his namesake preamps. His colleague, Wayne Colburn, is the man behind all things preamplification at Pass Labs. And these Pass Labs preamps are just as lust-worthy as Nelson’s wonderful sounding, often hot-running, Class-A power amps”
The new design uses double-shielded low noise toroidal transformers in an external supply connected via aviation-grade circular connectors using silver over oxygen-free copper. The power supply is dual mono with two transformers with lower radiated and mechanical noise. Noise is the most prominent part of THD+N at low levels, so by lowering noise we get better resolution and dynamics.
The gain circuitry continues to use our favorite transistors from Toshiba but has a larger, higher biased, output stage like the Xs Preamp, and includes auto bias.
The larger output stage makes longer, and multiple cable runs easier to drive and gives us the advantage of simplifying our single-ended output circuitry while increasing performance.
The volume control is a single stage instead of two stages and has more range; it is quieter and more accurate. This is the same volume control as used in the XP-30.
Overall this makes for a quieter, more neutral, musical, and versatile control center for your system.
The XP-22 measures spectacularly well — but it really stands out sonically.
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Overall Gain: 9.3dB Balanced
Remote: yes
Inputs: 5
Outputs: 2
Input Impedance: 22K Ohms
Power Consumption: 40 watts
Number of chassis: 2
Dimensions, Each Chassis: 17”W x 12”D x 4”H
Weight (LBS): 40
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