Pass Labs options/questions

[Tim E]

Hi, new member here, although i have enjoyed your forum in the past without joining up.
I currently have a Vinnie Rossi LIO (no amp section) used as my DAC and Preamp. I have a Pass XA30.5 amp and am using home built Troels G. 3WC-10 speakers (90db sensitive 3-ways).
I am feeling my preamp is holding me back, so have been looking at other options. One of the main ones has been going to an all Pass setup, probably getting an XP-12, as my rack space is limited. I would also like to eventually go to the XA25 amp. Which leads me to the main part of this question. If i am constrained for space, should i just be trying to move directly to a Pass INT-25? or does anyone have some insight as to how much better a XA30.5 or XA25 amp and XP-12 would be over the integrated? My current transport is a CD player (nothing special) so losing the DAC from the Rossi LIO would not prevent my digital listening. I am only doing 2 channel and only running CD and Vinyl. Currently have a Teres home made table, Acoustic Signature 12" arm, and George Wright tubed phono stage. Eventually would be looking at adding in a DAC as well. I am somewhat budget constrained on the preamp (under $5K), am trying to avoid tubes, and am primarily looking something simple and small ( SPL, Benchmark, Hegel, are on my interesting list).

 

[Axel C]

If you haven't seen it here's Herb Reichert's review of the INT-25. My understanding is that it is very close to the XA25/XP12 combo and there happens to be one listed at US Audiomart asking $5k. Keep in mind it does not have any balanced inputs. I have the XA25 (with the XP32) and it's very impressive and has much more power than its relatively modest rating. Unless you're going with a higher level Pass pre or need the balanced inputs I don't see a material advantage of the separates.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/pass-labs-int-25-integrated-amplifier

 

[Tim E]

If you haven't seen it here's Herb Reichert's review of the INT-25. My understanding is that it is very close to the XA25/XP12 combo and there happens to be one listed at US Audiomart asking $5k. Keep in mind it does not have any balanced inputs. I have the XA25 (with the XP32) and it's very impressive and has much more power than its relatively modest rating. Unless you're going with a higher level Pass pre or need the balanced inputs I don't see a material advantage of the separates.

thanks Axel, i had read that, but a reread did help. It is amazing with all of the reviews out there and the comparisons of XP10 to XP12, etc there is not more talking about pass integrated vs separates....thanks for the direction.

 

[jeromelang]

I find it necessary to keep front end electronics and the pre-amp far away from the power amp.

By doing that, the user will enjoy bigger, wider, taller soundstage.
Better flow of musical ease and dynamics too.

The issue here is eddy current and how they could alter the characteristics of the magnetic field around each component, inevitably affecting the soundstaging properties of those components.

The most intense magnetic field is the one coming from the power amp. More intense magnetic field, the farther the rest of the electronics have to be separate from.

Oh yeah, it also helps to reduce the metallic count around these 2 groups of components.

Separates are preferred if the above issue is considered.

 

[TonyW]

I like having a clean open space between the speakers. It is costly however, running long, good quality interconnects from the Preamp to the Amps. I also have two separate dedicated 20 amp power outlets- one to the amps and one to the front end. The amps are plugged directly into the wall. And the soundstage is very big and tall- beyond the walls which is most apparent in the dark or with eyes closed.

 

[Argonaut]

View attachment 144157

Ahhhhh … I see that you have gone for the Romulan D’deridex “Warbird” decor vibe , very nice Tony .

 

[TonyW]

Ahhhhh … I see that you have gone for the Romulan D’deridex “Warbird” decor vibe , very nice Tony .

Cool. I hadn‘t realized that. I have been subliminally impacted by Star Trek since watching the original series as a kid in the 60s.