Introduction

XP-30 Owner’s Manual

In an area of electronics where it is often thought that everything that can improve the sound has already been done, where other designers are concentrating on mechanicals and eye-candy, we offer better sound.

The XP-30 is the best preamplifier line stage ever made by Pass Labs. By extension it is possibly the best line stage ever made. It is the result of several years effort by Wayne Colburn and staff at Pass Labs and has undergone numerous designs, redesigns, revisions, more revisions, adjustments and tweaks; more than any preamp product with the possible exception of the XP-25 phono stage.

Measurably the XP-30 generates less noise, less crosstalk, less distortion. It delivers greater dynamic range, gain, output voltage and output current. This is not why it is a breakthrough product.

We value technical excellence, but it is always the sound that is paramount. Many audio products have measured spectacularly well but have not gone down as classics because they have not delivered subjective qualities that keep listeners happy beyond the occasional initial excitement. With this uppermost in mind we set out to create a new preamplifier that simply invites you to listen. We want you to anticipate listening to your entire record collection, again and again.

As part of the process in developing the XP-30 we began by uniformly upgrading the playback systems of our listening group. We do not do AB or ABX testing – our people live with prototypes as long as they like in their own system, and only one component gets changed at a time. This allows a close duplication of our customer’s experience and makes it easier to hear differences over extended time, with our focus remaining on the quality of the sound.

Several set of prototypes were evaluated and refined over a period of three years. This period also saw the final development of the XP- 25, and its presence allowed us to work in as much synergy between the components as possible. Several different power amplifiers also participated, including XA.5 amplifiers, prototype “Concept” amplifiers, SITs, and even tubes.

In the end everyone agreed on the sound - music flows through the XP-30 with greater ease, spatial development and dynamic contrast than anything else we have heard. Wayne even managed to fit in

a couple of my requested features – enhancements for bi-amping, and enough gain and voltage swing that the XP-30 can drive power amplifier output stages all by itself. Me, I wrote this introduction because Wayne was too modest to. - Nelson Pass

XP-30 specifications

The Pass Labs XP-30 is a flagship preamplifier that epitomizes the craftsmanship and engineering excellence of Pass Labs. Designed for audiophiles who demand the utmost in sound quality and performance, the XP-30 combines innovative technology with a robust, elegant design that complements any high-end audio system.

At its core, the XP-30 features a fully balanced design, employing differential circuitry that minimizes noise and distortion. This design philosophy ensures that audio signals remain pure and untainted from the source to the output, providing an immersive listening experience. The use of discrete components rather than integrated circuits is a hallmark of Pass Labs’ approach, ensuring greater control over the audio signal path.

The XP-30 incorporates a class-A output stage, renowned for its linearity and fidelity. This characteristic allows the preamplifier to deliver exceptional dynamic range, making it capable of handling the most complex musical passages with ease. With a frequency response extending well beyond the audible range, the XP-30 captures every nuance and detail in the music, allowing listeners to experience recordings as they were intended to be heard.

Another standout feature of the XP-30 is its extensive connectivity options. It provides a variety of inputs and outputs, including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA options, allowing for seamless integration with various audio components. This versatility ensures that the XP-30 can cater to diverse system configurations and preferences.

The user interface of the XP-30 is intuitive and user-friendly. It includes a remote control that allows for easy adjustment of volume levels, input selection, and other key functions. The front panel features a large display that provides real-time information about the current input, volume settings, and other operational details.

Overall, the Pass Labs XP-30 preamplifier is a masterpiece of audio engineering. Its combination of advanced technology, meticulous build quality, and exceptional performance makes it a coveted piece of equipment for those who seek the very best in high-fidelity sound reproduction. Audiences who experience the XP-30 will appreciate its ability to reveal the subtleties and emotions within music, making it a worthy addition to any serious audio system.