A single-chassis Pass Labs phono stage that is dead quiet, has gain for nearly any cartridge, and sounds like real instruments in a real space.
The XP-17 is Pass Labs' single-chassis phono stage, a solid-state, dual-mono design built around one goal: silence. A new toroidal transformer and an added RC filter stage keep the power supply clean enough to sit beside high-gain circuitry. Three gain settings reach up to 76 dB balanced, which is enough for low-output moving coils down to about 0.2 mV. Rear-panel switches set 256 resistive loads from 10 Ω to 47 kΩ and capacitance from 100 to 750 pF, so you can match almost any moving-coil or moving-magnet cartridge exactly. It has balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs.
Reviewers describe the XP-17's background as practically silent, and that silence is what everything else stands on. Transients are quick without sounding analytical. Bass is deep, tight and tuneful. The midrange has a touch of tube-like warmth with solid-state clarity, and the soundstage is large, with real depth and height. It suits a serious analog front end with a low-output MC cartridge. Because its loading is so flexible, it is also a phono stage you won't outgrow when you change cartridges. It has one phono input, so plan on one turntable or one tonearm.
| Type | Solid-state MM/MC phono preamplifier, dual mono, single chassis |
| Gain | 56 / 66 / 76 dB balanced; 50 / 60 / 70 dB single-ended |
| Resistive loading | 10 Ω – 47 kΩ, 256 settings via rear-panel switches |
| Capacitive loading | 100 – 750 pF |
| RIAA accuracy | ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Distortion | 0.004% |
| Inputs | 1 pair RCA |
| Outputs | Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA |
| Output impedance | 220 Ω balanced; 110 Ω single-ended |
| Power consumption | 40 W |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 17 × 12 × 4 in |
| Weight | 19 lb |
Pearl Audio is an authorized Pass Labs dealer. Call or visit our Portland showroom to talk about matching a phono stage to your cartridge.
