Pass Labs XP-27 Phono Preamplifier

The XP-27 succeeds the XP-25 and takes the same approach: the power supply lives in a second chassis, linked by a shielded nine-conductor umbilical that carries power only, so transformer noise stays away from the low-level circuitry. The input and gain circuits are similar to those of the Xs Phono, with active gain stages rather than step-up transformers and three settings of 56, 66 or 76 dB. Each channel is loaded independently from the front panel: resistive loading from 30 Ω to 1 kΩ in eight steps for moving coils plus 47 kΩ for moving magnets, and capacitance from 100 to 750 pF in six steps. Input selection, gain, a low-cut filter and mute are also on the front panel.

Pass specifies RIAA accuracy within ±0.1 dB, distortion below 0.005% at 1 mV MC input, unweighted noise of -85 dB referenced to 1 mV (MC) and -93 dB referenced to 10 mV (MM), and a 22 V maximum output from a 150 Ω source. Stereophile's Jim Austin reported designer Wayne Colburn's account of the changes from the XP-25: lower-noise resistors, upgraded capacitors, a revised power supply and a gain control that no longer affects the RIAA equalization, improvements that fall below the analyzer's measurement range but are audible as lower noise and better bass. Part-Time Audiophile called the XP-27 the most authoritative phono stage in its test and gave it a Reviewer's Choice.

Two inputs make the XP-27 the choice for a two-arm turntable or two decks, and front-panel loading makes dialing in a new cartridge a matter of minutes from the listening chair. The chassis should not be stacked, so plan two shelves. The XP-22 or XP-32 are its line-stage partners; the single-input XP-17 is the one-box alternative.