Published On: April 12, 2018

Pass Labs Introduces the XP-22 Stereo Preamplifier

Published On: April 12, 2018
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
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Pass Labs Introduces the XP-22 Stereo Preamplifier

At AXPONA this week, Pass Labs will debut the new XP-22 stereo preamp (shown below, $9,500) and XP-27 phono preamp ($11,500). The XP-22 will replace the XP-20 preamplifier first introduced in 2008, and the new model features an external dual-mono power...

Pass Labs Introduces the XP-22 Stereo Preamplifier

By Author: Home Theater Review
The staff at HomeTheaterReview.com is comprised of experts who are dedicated to helping you make better informed buying decisions.

At AXPONA this week, Pass Labs will debut the new XP-22 stereo preamp (shown below, $9,500) and XP-27 phono preamp ($11,500). The XP-22 will replace the XP-20 preamplifier first introduced in 2008, and the new model features an external dual-mono power supply with two double-shielded, low-noise toroidal transformers designed to offer lower radiated and mechanical noise. The XP-22 also has a larger, higher-biased output stage and includes auto bias. Full specs on both products are listed in the press release below.

Pass-Labs-XP22.jpg

From Pass Labs
At Pass Labs we don't change our products unless we feel that the changes are significant improvements over previous versions. Because of this, our typical product life spans are eight to ten years.

We are constantly working on and listening to new things and increasing our knowledge of circuits and components on sound. Eventually we find some things worth putting into production because they are significant enough. That time has come with a new series of preamplifiers.

XP-22 Preamplifier
Replacing the XP-20 Preamplifier that was introduced in 2008, the new XP-22 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 offering 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 that's used in the XP-30.

Overall this makes for a quieter, more neutral, musical and versatile control center for your system. Suggested Retail Price: $9,500.

The XP-22 measures spectacularly well--but it really stands out sonically.

XP-22 Specifications:
Power consumption 40 watts
Gain 9.6dB Balanced, 3dB single-ended
Output Impedance: 25 Ohms RCA, 50 Ohms XLR
Input Impedance: 22K Ohms
Frequency response: +/- 0.05 dB 10Hz to 20KHz, -2dB @ 150KHz
Crosstalk > 100dB
THD Max out 33V RMS 0.1%
Residual Noise 2uV RMS, SN -125dB ref max out
Dimensions: 17"w x 12.5"d x 4"h each chassis
Weight: 55LBS

Pass-Labs-XP22-rear.jpg

XP-27 Phono Preamplifier
The twin-chassis XP-27 Phono Preamp eclipses the already exceptional performance of the well-reviewed and well-received XP-15, XP-25 (introduced in 2010) and XP-17--delivering enhanced RIAA performance at a fraction of the previous distortion.

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 XP-27 input and gain circuitry are similar to those found in the Xs Phono. This means switching and loading is done at higher signal levels, minimizing noise and improving low level performance.

Suggested Retail Price: $11,500.

XP-27 Specifications:
Gain 53dB, 66dB, 76dB
RIAA response +/-0.1 dB 20-20 kHz
Distortion Max out 22V RMS
Output Impedance: 200 ohms
Input Impedance: 100pF - 750pF on any input
30 ohm - 47K ohm on any input
Unweighted Noise -93 dB ref 10mV (MM), -85 dB ref 1mV (MC)
Power consumption 50 watts
Dimensions: 17"w x 12.5"d x 4"h each chassis
Weight: 55LBS

Additional Resources
• Visit the Pass Labs website for more information.
Pass Labs XA25 Stereo Amplifier Reviewed at HomeTheaterReview.com.

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