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Pass Labs XP10 or Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE

This thread is intended for those who have experience with both preamps, primarily. But feedback from those who have one or the other is welcomed.

I really like the idea of a no-gain preamp. I normally wouldn't consider something like the W4S for my set-up, except that what it lacks in appearance (external), it seems to actually possess(internal). I have a Pass Labs X250.5 which has 26/30 dB of gain on it's own. While I would love to have an aesthetically matching/pleasing system (all Pass), the sound still has to determine my purchase. The W4S could also potentially save me some coin in the process.

I am currently unable to hear either preamp so I am trying to get impressions from current owners of either, or both, product(s).
jbreezy5
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Jbreezy5,
Are you not in the US? Mark from Reno HiFi has a great return policy, so you could at least try that one. I think the W4S have a return policy too, but with a restockng fee. But considering the prices of this gear, maybe worth it. No substitute for trying in your own system
swanny76109
380 posts
 
The Pass XP10 will blow the Wyred away in terms of build quality and overall refinement. It's a spectacular preamp that you'll find long term satisfaction with. Good luck!
eugene81
164 posts
 
Swanny have you heard the w4s?
lmk47
5 posts
 
I hope this helps.I never heard the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE but I moved up to the XP-10 from the X-1, the two preamps are miles apart with the XP-10 being the better.It is mated with my Pass Labs 350.5 and all I can say is a match made in heaven.I would never think that the XP-10 could improve that much over an already great design.Buy the XP-10 and thank me later.
aljordan
45 posts
 
I realize this thread is a bit old, but I have listened to both the W4S and the Pass XP-10 in the same system. I was initially interested in the W4S because the buffer / active design seems well thought out. Unfortunately, I found the sound of it to be quite thin even in comparison to another buffer (the Pass B1 buffer).

I found I liked the performance of the Pass XP10 better than both the W4S and the B1 buffer. It is very transparent in the mid-bass and midrange, with better control in the low bass and better presentation in the high frequencies. I will point out that the amps I use have a very low input impedance, and finding a good matching preamp is tough.

Alan
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