Pass Labs · XP Series
$10,973
Pass Labs · XP Series
A two-chassis line preamplifier with the power supply in its own box, a larger and higher-biased output stage from the Xs Preamp, and a residual noise of 2 µV.
Two chassis: control unit plus separate power supply, linked by an umbilical. Stereophile's Amplification Component of 2019.
Authorized Pass Labs dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome
The story
The XP-22 separates the audio from its power supply. The control chassis holds the gain and volume circuitry; the second chassis holds two toroidal transformers, each electrostatically and Mu-metal shielded, vacuum impregnated and epoxy filled, with additional filtering, linked to the audio by an umbilical. The gain circuit uses Toshiba transistors with a larger, higher-biased output stage drawn from the Xs Preamp, with auto bias, which lets it drive long or multiple cable runs and simplified the single-ended output. The volume control is the Xs single-stage attenuator: 100 steps of about 1 dB over more than 90 dB, read by a microcontroller from an optical encoder so the two balanced channels track precisely.
Pass specifies 2 µV of residual noise, -125 dB referenced to maximum output, a response within ±0.05 dB from 10 Hz to 20 kHz, crosstalk better than 100 dB and output impedances of 25 Ω single-ended and 50 Ω balanced. There are five inputs, two XLR and three RCA plus a tape loop, with one balanced and two single-ended output pairs. Stereophile's Jim Austin reported designer Wayne Colburn's description of the changes over the XP-20 as making it quieter and more dynamic, and Stereophile named the XP-22 Amplification Component of 2019. Part-Time Audiophile gave the XP-22 and XP-27 a Reviewer's Choice for their neutrality and silence.
The XP-22 is the preamplifier at the center of most Pass separates systems, from the X250.8 to the XA160.8 monos, with the XP-27 as its phono partner. The three-chassis XP-32 goes further by giving each channel its own enclosure.
Silver is the standard finish shown. Black is available to order at additional cost; ask us for a quote.
| Type | Line preamplifier, two chassis (control unit and power supply) |
| Gain | 9.6 dB balanced (Pass Labs manual; product page states 9.3 dB) |
| Inputs / outputs | 5 inputs (2 XLR, 3 RCA) plus tape loop; 1 balanced and 2 single-ended output pairs |
| Volume control | Single-stage attenuator, 100 steps of about 1 dB, range over 90 dB; remote supplied |
| Frequency response | ±0.05 dB, 10 Hz – 20 kHz; -2 dB at 150 kHz |
| Input impedance | 22 kΩ |
| Output impedance | 25 Ω RCA; 50 Ω XLR |
| Crosstalk | Better than 100 dB |
| Residual noise | 2 µV RMS; -125 dB referenced to maximum output |
| Distortion | Less than 0.001% at 1 V, 1 kHz |
| Power consumption | 40 W |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 17 × 12.5 × 4 in, each of two chassis |
| Weight | 40 lb total |
The two-chassis Pass Labs line preamplifier.
The matching phono preamplifier is the Pass Labs XP-27.
Plan your Pass Labs system with Pearl Audio
Pearl Audio is an authorized Pass Labs dealer. Arrange an audition in our Portland showroom and we will help with loudspeaker matching, delivery and setup. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.
The Pearl Audio experience
A system at this level should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. From the first audition to long-term ownership, you work with the same people, in person.
Hear the Pass Labs XP-22 Preamplifier by appointment in one of our two purpose-designed demonstration rooms, with your own music and time to compare without pressure.
We deliver and install throughout the Portland area, taking care of placement, connections, ventilation and system configuration ourselves.
We support everything we sell for as long as you own it, whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.
Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or your system change.
