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 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.
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
The Best Preamps Buyer’s Guide – 2023
PartTimeAudio
The Absolute Sound’s 2023 Buyer’s Guide
The Absolute Sound
Stereophile Recommended Components – 2022
Stereophile
Summer Guide: Best Preamps – 2022
PartTimeAudio
TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2022
The Absolute Sound
Stereophile Recommended Components – 2022
Stereophile
PartTimeAudio Summer Guide: Best preamps – 2021
PartTimeAudio
Stereophile Recommended Components – 2021
Stereophile
Stereophile Recommended Components – 2020
Stereophile
Audio Art “Best Performance of the year” 2020
Audio Art
Stereophile’s Editor’s Choice Award – 2019
Stereophile
Stereophile’s Amplification Product of the Year – 2019
Stereophile
“The Pass Labs XP-22 preamplifier ($9,500 USD) and the XP-27 phono preamplifier ($11,500 USD) currently occupy the middle spots in the company’s line-up, just under the flagship XS models.”
PartTimeAudio Summer Guide: Best preamps – 2022
“The new XP-22 from Pass Labs is a significant upgrade from the previous model. Based on new semiconductors and a new volume control, the two-chassis XP-22 vaults performance into another league.”
PartTimeAudio Summer Guide: Best preamps – 2022
“The two-box, solid state, line-level Pass XP-22 provides both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs and outputs, plus a vestigial tape loop. The XP-22’s volume control—an Avago-sourced encoder that JCA describes as having “good bearings and a nice feel””
Stereophile Recommended Components – 2022
“The XP-22 preamplifier is a two-chassis design, the control module attaching to the identically sized power supply with a 9-pin JAE umbilical cable. The two boxes are stackable, and there are pieces of felt glued to the bottom of the preamp’s four feet to prevent scratching the top surface of the power supply.”
PartTimeAudio Summer Guide: Best preamps – 2021
“The two-box, solid state, line-level Pass XP-22 provides both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs and outputs, plus a vestigial tape loop.”
Stereophile Recommended Components – 2021
Audio Art magazine #369
“For those who listen with their ears and not their brain, perfectionist hi-fi offers many surprises.”
Stereophile / Jim Austin
Pass Labs XP22, review de Francisco del Pozo
XP-22 Review
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