Rhea vs Pass XP-15

Thanks Almarg, I think the XP-15 has an output impedance of 300 OHMS the 25 is 150 and as you said the Rhea only 110. Thinking with the combo of a low output cart and a solid state pre, the Pass may be the best choice.

Initially I was all Rhea, but thinking technically rather than emotionally (mmmm tubes) now I leaning towards the Pass. These two new Pass units are also using some,pretty damn nice output devices. Think they are what are making the 15 sound so much better than the older xono.

Almarg's remarks make good sense. I note that the "Signature" version of the Rhea uses coupling caps that are twice the value of those in the non-Signature version. (4uF vs 2uF, respectively.) The larger caps would go some distance to ameliorate the problem noted by the Stereophile tester. That is a worthwhile upgrade and could be done rather cheaply if one knows how to solder and owns a non-Sig Rhea. The output impedance at 20Hz would be halved.

Dhcod,

Yes very well put and clear! I totally agree that the Rhea puts the flesh on the bone sort of speak!

I understand that the XP-15 is pretty close to the XP-25. If that is the case, it's a world class performer with great loading options.

Pass Labs service guy Kent English feels the Xp-15 sounds the same as the XOno.

The XOno and XP-25 separate power supplies do seem to reduce noise levels over most any another phono stage..

Perhaps the XP-25 is in it's own league.

I have the XOno and could not be happier driving XA60.5's into Maggie 3.6's.