3
XP-22_om_prelim
Introduction:
At Pass Labs we don’t change our products unless we feel that
the changes are significant improvements over previous versions.
Because of this we see typical product life spans of seven to eight
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.
New design uses double shielded low noise toroids in external
supply connected via aviation grade circular connectors
using silver on copper. The power supply is dual mono with two
transformers with lower radiated and mechanical noise.
The XP-22 has a new input circuit that is based on the XS pre it is
lower in noise and distortion with greater drive capability. Noise is
the most prominent part of THD+N at low levels. By lowering noise
we get better resolution and dynamics.
The secondary stage runs a higher bias output stage with auto
bias and much lower output impedance. The XP-22 can drive long
cable runs and low input impedance easily.
The volume control is single stage instead of two stages and has
more range it is quieter and more accurate as used in the XS and
XP-30.
The XP-22 measures spectacularly well but it really stands out
sonically.
The gain circuitry continues to use our favorite transistors from
Toshiba but has a larger higher biased output stage similar to the
XS preamplifier auto bias. This makes longer and multiple cable runs
easier to drive and gives us the advantage of simplifying our single
ended output circuitry while increasing performance.
Overall this makes for a quieter more neutral, musical and versatile
control center for your system.