Pass Labs XP-30 guide

XP-30 Owner’s Manual

volts to a balanced no-feedback follower output stage?

The XP-30 is fully capable of both tasks at once. The internal gain of each stage can be boosted another 16 dB via an internal jumper and the preamp can serve as the low source impedance front end to the new generation of Class A power followers. Don’t laugh – they already are for sale, and there are more coming your way. If you have an XP-30 you won’t have to buy a new preamp...

The output impedance of each output is quite low and thus able to better drive long cable runs or cables with greater capacitance or amplifiers with low input impedances.

XP-30 volume control is totally new and sonically unique. It’s measured performance - distortion, bandwidth, noise, and resolution is beyond reproach. It preserves the dynamics and detail of the music passing through it, and scales this performance over its 100 dB attenuation range.

Wayne Colburn has further refined his thinking of how the active circuit should serve the music. Like Nelson, Wayne looks at parts and sees not applications but potentials. The XP-30 uses a new and more advanced version of the gain modules that have been popular in Pass products for the last ten years. It has lower distortion and wider bandwidth than its predecessor and also features a dramatically higher input impedance. This improved version of our symmetric topology sounds so exquisite that that it has also been adopted in the new “Dual Chassis Amplifier” prototypes. Pass Labs has made large purchases of discontinued Toshiba Jfets and Mosfets to support production of this new gain stage for the next ten years.

Each of these efforts have contributed to a preamp that is more resolving, dynamic, spatially accurate and closer to the real joy that is music.

To summarize:

The XP-30 is a time machine, offering a greater “look-back” at the original musical performance and conveying additional insight to the artist’s creative intent. The XP-30 will help you rediscover the joy of your record collection.

It’s measured performance is our best yet.

It has some features that will help you get more out of your system

– things that you may not yet appreciate.

The XP-30 is the preamplifier that we built for ourselves.

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.