Dear @tonyptony : Pass devices/items are a guarantee of high quality level performance, designs and excecution to those designs.
The answer with out doubt is to go a head for the two box XP-25. The 17 has no single advantage over the 25 other than a lower price.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R. |
I owned the xp-25 for 5 years. Excellent phono stage. I have also heard the xp-15 im my system and the xp-25 is a step above in sound quality.
Have not heard the xp-17 . |
Raul, have you had a chance to hear the 17 by comparison? There's no doubt in my mind the XP-25 is better than my 15, but I haven't gotten a clear sense of the 17 yet. |
Your best bet is to contact Mark at Reno Hi-Fi. He will be able to answer all of your questions and concerns. He will be able to give you comparisons between all of the products you are considering. I have dealt with Mark many times, he's very honest and knowledgeable about Pass Labs products. My opinion on which phono stage to get, the XP-27. |
Yes, Mark has helped me over the years with my current Pass gear. I'll have to give him a call, but it's always good to try and get additional thoughts from folks who've had an opportunity to hear this stuff. |
From what I've been able gather, the main improvement of the XP-27 are dual mono power supplies that improve the already excellent noise rejection of the XP-25. I'm happy with my XP-25, the more so after replacing the stock loading resistors, coupling caps, and input RCAs with better pieces. |
@dgarretson , please do tell. What did you do there? |
Replaced the loading resistors, which are clearly labeled, with Texas Components TX2575 nude resistors, and replaced the stock electrolytic and MKP coupling caps with ClarityCap 4.7uf CMR. Replaced the stock Cardas RCAs with Bocchino Tomahawks and WBT Next Gen. Next step is to try a Less Loss 64x firewall in the power supply. No reason that I can see to abandon the XP-25.
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It appears that Pass could've used better quality parts, unless you modify sound to your liking which might not be to everyone's. |
@inna All products are built to cost. Improvements are always available, whether through trade-in or thoughtful modification. |
Bocchino Tomahawks Well, that's a new one for me. I've never heard of these. What are they? Also, did you do all this work yourself? If so, was any of it exceptionally difficult? I do have some ability in doing circuit work up to an including SMT devices. |
I did it myself. You need good soldering and desoldering skills. The Pass unit is easily disassembled. There is space for the larger coupling caps mounted on perf board raised above a small section of the main PCB. The Bocchino RCAs are solderless with compression fittings and heavy silver plating over solid copper base metal. Just remember that you will void the warranty, and if it ever needs service, Pass’s formal policy is to first return the unit to stock condition. I doubt they would care about the resistor and RCA changes, but you might have to reinstall the stock coupling caps. PM for details and photos if you decide go for an XP-25. |
Thanks. I'll let you know what happens after I talk with Mark. |
I assume that you're thinking of a used XP-25? If you're buying new, definitely go for the XP-27. You can always do the same mods to that should you feel the urge. |
Yes, used. I can’t swing a new XP-27! :-) But I’m still trying to see if there’s anyone out there with firsthand experience comparing the 25 to the 17. |
Whichever you go for, add a Less Loss 64x Firewall to your Xmas list. I spent the afternoon juggling three of these through the system. Of six components evaluated with the 64x, the XP-25 benefitted most. |
