Pass Labs XA30.8 amp & XP22 preamp: Solid State Class A Triumph!
![ANA[DIA]LOG](http://yt3.ggpht.com/50CpmGNilS8aoMlarZVhI_GxRDoZdbj4ZgwCMZXg-Rq2PrEvCytlE6RVyLUrNY-rwE_sAlZ1Zw=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 29 ноя 2024
- In this video we learn the main characteristics of the Pass Labs XA30.8 amplifier and XP-22 preamplifier both in Class A, and why they are so special!
More Ana[dia]log groove here:
INSTAGRAM: / ana.dia.log
FACEBOOK: / anadialog1
TWITTER: / anadialog
#passlabs #xa30.8 #xp22
I added an xp10 between my ps audio dad DAC and pass xa30.8 and it was a strict degradation. Then I bought the 590axii after I saw video and fell in love with it. What a machine. Interestingly, when I used the Luxman as a pre, it made the pass sound so much better. In fact, the power amp section of the pass is better than the power amp of the Luxman. Gotta love the Luxman for its flexibility.
Interesting combinations!
Congrats nice amp! I’d definitely would have done the same if presented with like gear. The luxman is good but…it just overly warm probably what you describe as rolled off. It never sounds like it can burst through those higher frequencies. All in all you found what you liked and made a move. Good times ahead
Fab Review ...you definitely Come accross as one of the more Honest reviewers on RUclips, Many look like paid commercials of mainstream products
Keep Rocking !!
The best compliment I could receive! Thank you very much Anand!
Great choice. I love my Pass gear.
man, the more and more I hear my favorite Audiophile reviewers, like yourself, dig into the Pass Labs amps, I am almost ready to leap for one soon. Its this or a power vacuum tube (or valve) amp...hmmm, many decisions to be made
Congrats on your new Pass Labs gear Guido
My congrats dear Guido for your new addition in your HI-END collection .
Thanks! But they are temporary passengers. The Audia flight for example I intend to keep...for now...;-)
@@anadialog It's up to everyones decitions and taste for anything since our belongings gives us pleasure that's what matters ,, anyway happy listenings Guido :-)
Enjoying your channel ,came to know many hidden details through your good selves , thankyou for bringing it to the people like me .really appreciate your honest efforts ,keep going we are following you .😃
Thanks my man!
That's a fantastic amp, the sound is second to none, I tried one in my system, the only draw back for me was the heat, ok if you live in a cooler climate, but in Perth Australia, phew it made the already hot room hotter...lol fantastic gear too and great videos!
True! But my Primaluna was even more hot!
The sound is second to none ? Did you listen Sony Ta-N7b ?
Congrats for your new Pass amp! Excellent video as usual Guido! I suggest you try a Conrad Johnson tube preamp with thePass amp. This combination should work in a fantastic way. I run an ET-5 Conrad Johnson preamp with two Luxman M-900u amps, and they sound fantastic!
Interesting and great comments there Sergio!
I bet it sounds really good…happy for your upgrade! I seriously pondered a Pass Labs X 150.8……but went with a nice new McIntosh MC-152….driven by my Schiit Freya+ using NOS tubes. I was afraid that the Pass Labs I was considering might be too dry for "my" tastes. My amp is a beast, too! 😁…I feel just as happy on my audio journey as you do in yours…even tho I have spent much less…but a lot for me to spend…This is finally coming together for me….I definitely made some mistakes along the way, though. I am learning what I like and what I don't. We all are different. My new amp made me a believer about burn-in, too…at least in this instance… ….patience is key….👍🏼
Good job and congratulations for your journey!
Thanks Guido! Really happy for you that your equipment improves. One day I'd like to see you back reviewing more affordable pieces. To me, discovering great and affordable device or combination of devices which have grate value, produce a doble satisfaction. In my particular hifi journey, my best moments have not been when I've spent tons of money to buy something that was supposed to be good. Moreover, the tecnology gives great opportunity for all hifi entusiast, even for proletarian audiophile :)
True, although I don't consider myself a reviewer if not sporadically. I do hope some companies try to send me for review quality gear at real world prices. I am getting all these components used and in most cases selling others in a constant way in order to keep the expenses down.
Understand, it makes sense :)
Please dont take long for the preamp reveal, thanks for the great review :)
😚
Nice! I was already was curious to this simpathetic high-end , but pricy brand, before your video. But most Pass Labs gear will live 50 years if you take care of it. so what is pricy? And service of the company is also topnotch, forso far as i read and hear of owners. made with passion for sound! same counts for most Luxman gear of the better periodes. excellent video👌
Nelson Pass brand surely is a good way to go, even though I feel, in my opinion, that their products sound too warm for my own taste. At home, my main system is 100% Class A. Tube preamp (dual mono) and tube power amp (22,5 W) and it sounds excelent, even with my Amphions 87 dB/1w/1m floorstanding speakers (i shall upgrade to higher sensitivity ones, 94/95 dB/1w/1m ). If I may guess... your preamp is a tube one (preferably with NOS tubes), because is really the best way to go :)
I actually was hoping in a little more warmth. Pass are quite neutral IMO.
There they are :)
Well done, Sir, excellent choice!
The Absolute Sound declared the Pass "as good as it gets", the amp and pre-amp owned by Steve Gutenberg, Mike Fremer, John Atkinson, Bret Buttersworth. Have you reviewed any McIntosh or Mark Levison? They represent a very good value (closer to the Luxman in price).
The Pass is excellent for the money.
My reference is the XA 160.8s with the XS Preamp. A lot of Amps out there cost upwards of 80-90K. I feel the Pass gear is very competitive. 👍🏽🙏🏽💕👑🥂🎼
wow, getting rid of the xp-22 the pre on my short list. i am intrigued on what is replacing it. can't wait! is it the lack of tone controls?
No, I like it a lot in all senses...but I stumbled upon two amazing guys that left me speechless...
Really nice. I love Nelson Pass’ stuff. I’ve never seen them in person, but wold love to have some of his gear.
I think you must have some very efficient speakers. With that said, this 30.8 must put out enough current to weld with. Wattage isn’t everything, but is the 30WPC with truckloads of current enough to drive relatively efficient speakers (86-89db) to somewhat concert levels? Sometimes I just love to crank certain things up.
Great video. Thanks and cheers from Texas
My speaker's sensitivity is 93.25dB with around 6ohms if impedance. A perfect match I believe.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the pass aleph series
which are the same A class but are single ended and not push pull, in my humble opinion that combination is another world in a positive way, listen to it, you won't regret it
Gerard Stroh***
Anadialog***
I Like Your Pass Labs Stereo Set Up*****
Very Cool****
a good partner to the pass would be the croft acoustics 25r preamp a hybrid design valves and solid-state produces a very wide sound stage and depth. not expensive. very smooth mid-range and detailed top end
Nice!
@@anadialog give it a go that's what I've got but with the 7r Poweramp. only Downside you might have limited on connectors there's only three if you choose the phono stage but it is good!! line preamp gives you 4. I use the RCA valves I think they're better but I haven't tried many others . you won't be disappointed.
if you want you can get the integrating 900£ it does have pre-out but is more of a basic model I believe that's not a bad thing less is more I don't like a lot of circuitry it affects the sound quality
🤗GREAT GUIDO…YES YOUR JOURNEY CONTINUES…ENJOY 😎😍😍😍
Thanks!
Hi Guido, Can you help me with that, please ? In accord to your experience as you mentioned in this video you did try the Luxman as a separate unit, would i lose much sound quality if i were to use the Luxman 590AX ll as a preamplifier instead of a dedicated preamp to power up another amp ? Thank you for your help. Tony
Yes, I did try and lost the quality of the Luxman and reducinh the quality of the Pass. Not the best choice IMHO. Better get a dedicated preamp.
@@anadialog Thank you very much for your reply. That helps me a lot. Your videos are great and very well explained. All the best .
Tried XA25 and XP20 (for sale right now). The Luxman M900u fed by the Audio Research combo of Ref CD9 with tube output stage and LS10SE Preamp was the best I’ve ever heard. Same for others lucky enough to hear that rig feeding Viking Acoustics L’Instrument horn speakers with super tweeters and 2x 12” bass drivers. Sold the Lux and kept a lower powered ARC D240 is as powerful and transparent as you ever need.
If you enjoyed the M900u, why did you sell it and keep using the ARC D240? Is the ARC that good?
@@YouSoundButtHurt the speakers don’t need the power they are 98dB sensitive and sound absolutely fine with the D240 MK II
@@JingoLoBa57 I see. The D240 still sounds great after all these years? What preamp are you using with it?
The one thing that I would have liked to see on my XP 22 would be a slightly thicker top plate.
I am considering purchasing a Pass Labs XP-12 but for about $1,200.00
more, I can purchase the next-generation XP-22 Preamp...which is said said to be a nice step up in performance over the XP-12. Any thoughts on this?
Thanks
Hi David, both the Passes are long gone, while the amp remains one of my favorite solid state amps, the XP 22 in my humble opinion was quite bad for the price. Meaning that it is incredibly transparent and it was shockingly bright on top, bringing me constantly to turn down the volume. None of the preamps that came before and after (Mastersound, Shindo, McIntosh) had this problem.
Thanks for your reply.
I appreciate it. I have read nearly 30 reviews on Pass Labs Preamplifiers...the last 3 versions in the XP line. You are the only reviewer, thus far, who said that the Pass preamplifier sounded too bright.
In fact, the 2 words that came up to describe the Pass Lab preamp's overall sound was 'sweet' & "pleasant" So now, IDK what to think or do.
I can only afford to buy a used high-end preamplifier such as the XP-12 or XP-22. Generally, the preamplifiers are a final sale...no Returns.
Thanks
Wooo, Pass Labs! I hope to hear some of their gear one day. Probably won't ever be able to afford their stuff though, ha.
Pass Labs 30.8, I wonder if it's more powerful relative to my Primare 30.7? 😄
where is the Luxman?? that's why i stopped this madness a few years ago. changing the Amp every few months is not normal :) there is always something better on the horizon. still happy with my Abbysound. just listening to music. thank you for the best audiophile channel on RUclips! used your advice on cable. very happy with ramm audio and yarbo!
Yes, the Luxman!
Thank YOU! Well, it's in Switzerland! Yes, I agree. Audiophilia is a bad sickness. But after staying years with my AVI thanks to the channel, and a different job, I am finally able to experiment a little. I will settle for longer in the future. Nobody remembers but I also got a used Hegel 590, after the Luxman, for a week and sold it fast it was so bad.
hi guido. i live in italy too and i own pass xp12 / x350.8 with holo audio may, so it's quite similar to your electronics... i wonder if you have tried all the chain in balanced because i thing that pass makes a step further with xlr .. about what you say about the coldness of the pre it's interesting because i don't feel so.. maybe it depends from cabling (i use neotech xrl from pre to amp )... in the past i used cardas parsec xlr which adds a little warm on top... however your videos are fine !
Yes, all balanced, even the phono preamp. Things got better after several months. Now I am testing other preamps and the effect is reduced so I guess the XP22 in my system comes out a little bright.
Have you heard the new Bladelius Audio ODEN Integrated amp yet they are unreal ! They sound as good as very high priced Separates and they sound more like real music too!
Bladelius Audio or better known as THRSHOLD in the USA back in the 80's and 90's
I haven't!
Ciao Guido sono molto contento per questo tuo acquisto ,diciamo che l'asticella è sempre più alta! Quali sono i diffusori??
Sempre loro, le GoldenEar Triton Reference.
Congrats on your new amp, I also enjoy my XA30.8 👍
Curious to find out which tube preamp you will be mating it with 😉
Soon! Which one are you using?
@@anadialog My reference preamp has been a Nagra Jazz for some time, but I'm now testing 2 other preamps, an EAR Yoshino 912 and a Supratek Cabernet (both from the used market), both units are great, the EAR has a very nice phono section, the Supratek has the sound refinement of SET. I've also seen Pass owners mate their Class A power amps with preamps from Audio Research, CAT , Coincident...
Great video Guido! I’ve been considering this combo so your thoughts are definitely helping. Just wondering if you’ve considered going monoblocks with the pass labs? Cheers!
Thank you! Yes, the monoblocks would be great but they do take up a HUGE amount of space plus in the future I will challenge the 30.8 and see who wins!
@@anadialogThanks, can’t wait!
Would you trade a Macintosh MC275 for a
Pass labs Int 25
Who is your advice would be greatly appreciated
Can I use the XP-22 with Triode mono tube power amps?
You can but in my experience tubes work better with tubes BUT this is particularly true qith vintage machines. If you have modern tube monos, no problem
Please, if you have the opportunity, try the Parasound PLD 2000 preapmplifier. It a classA mos preamp, dual topology, you will be amazed about the significant changes in sound quality. Some of "underrated" item do really matter for less money. Thanks!
I like your impressions! Dont have issues with the xp20, maybe not comparable to the 22. The top End is one strength of my xp20, xa105.5s...it is a question of synergy. Amp and xp should work perfekt together imho......
True, but It's probably a matter of environment...
Excellent.
I was hoping for an April first episode. I know you're not into headphones but check out the headphone show.
Do any viewers here have any experience listening to
the Pass Labs XP-20 Preamplifier? It's a combination of a preamp & power source...So, 2 seperate consoles
Thanks!
Umm, sound investments don't include HI-FI gear. Lol I'm happy for you. Hope you found your sound. Did you try Pathos Inpol? How do you buy these?? Online, dealers, do you ever take something home and trial it? Any regrets or losses? These might make a good topics for a video. You're scaring me man. I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a 509x.🤦♂️ That has great soundstage and imaging, at least with my Sopra No3's it does.
Thanks! I always seeking good used gear and selling other components to keep expenses down. It's a constant duty! No I haven't tried the Pathos, great company though.
Hi Guido,
How can I contact You?
I would like to have your opinion about the sound of a preamp that I produce here in italy.
It would be great to test it connected to the class A Pass Lab You have.
Thank You.
Le ho risposto via email!
nice video! May I ask what microphone are you using to record this video?
At that time I was using a Blueyeti Pro mic.
@@anadialog what are you using now?
@@devilspin6649 now a WarmAudio WA-251 with a GE 12AY7 FIVE STARS tube and WA-12 preamp.
So……may I know what the preamp is? I couldn’t find the video🥲
In this video? The XP22!
The final Class A upgrade....ACCUPHASE???
Just too expensive for what you get IMO...maybe if I find a good used piece I will try in the future, I am attracted by their stuff and sound when listened in other environments.
Yeah - I think used is the way to go.
I've heard their A48 and A75 Power amps with B&W 800's...and WOW...end game amps...but $$$$$$$$@@anadialog
I was wondering who took my XP 22 in the middle of the night😂
🤫
Gerard Stroh***
Hi Anadialog***
I am Getting A New Audio Technica AT33sa Moving Coil Phono Cartridge and Also A Pro-Ject Phono Phono Box RS Is Fully Balance inputs & Outputs an it's made for Moving Coil Cartridge and I Have A Vintage Pioneer PL-600 Direct Drive Turntable and I am putting that cartridge on that Turntable****
Bye From Gerard Stroh From USA***
Nelson Pass has built his company on nice class A amps.
He has been clever with DIY expressions via that forum but the 'real thing' is always better but at a HUGE cost.
This is of course, very smart marketing and no doubt, has made him rather rich
I have made some of his DIYs and they are 'OK' but not outstanding.. it is all marketing. I would choose Sugden over Pass any day
You had the wrong Pass Amp, the XA-25 with the Pass Pre is definitely not bright..
Could be but I tried it with other amps and the result was always the same.
How hot does it get?
The amp gets pretty warm but not too much.
you need a tube preamp and than fine tune the tone using nos tubes.
Yup, I am already down that road. Pass gone.
somebody just put their "big bot pants" on !!! :)
Did you consider that your ears adapted to the XP...
I did, actually that was my first thought, but then after months, I tried the Luxman one more time before selling it and I could hear a difference once again, but less marked.
the 590axii has been discontinued
They said that several times but it's still up there. Other products instead are marked discontinued
@@anadialog it is still up in the international web page, but in its japanese page, which is more updated, it is marked a discontinued product. also d-07x, released in japan, is not on the international page.
Pass Labs make great sounding amplifiers but just average high end preamps.
I wouldn't say average but certainly not as good.
@@anadialog I’ve owned two Pass preamps, both a let down given the price. They’re not Nelson Pass’s designs.
Thanks for your nice review, very impressive. I would recommend you to test Mark Levinson 585 (200W 8Ohm per channel) which is considered one of the best of the best in terms of sound quality among experts.
Indeed, thanks!
You should be using at least the XP 22 preamp.
There was about 30 seconds of information packed into 20 minutes video lol.
If you want only info there's the manual! 😉
This guy is crapping diamonds. Expensive gear, wish I had your luxury.
Would rather have his luxury than your crass.
Am i missing something $7000 for an amp that only outputs 30 WPC?!?!?! Does class A "weigh" heavier than AB or something? you would need to ONLY ever run the most efficient speakers in the world for that. And the website doesn't even list a 4 ohm rating, only 8ohms. So further GREATLY limiting the kind of speakers that could be used here. Someone help me understand why its so expensive for so little power
Class A is difficult to design. When done correctly it's probably the best sounding type also because it is always amplifying while other classes recreate the wave. Large power amounts in general is useful for large, low sensitivity speakers. Obviously you need a good class A/B at that point. When efficient speakers 30W is more than enough.
Pass makes the same amplifier configured in class AB that is rated at 150 wpc. It would have been my first choice originally. But the more I learned about them the more I understood that class A amplifiers are the true beasts. Speakers don't run on watts so much as current. Which is grunt. Which is class A. In fact one of the guys at Pass told me that his experience has been that it is the class A amps that can really "take a beating".
totally useless