Pass Labs XP-17 Phono Preamplifier
Best phono stage for audiophiles seeking pure, high-fidelity vinyl playback.
The Pass Labs XP-12 is a sophisticated audio component designed to elevate your listening experience. It embodies the renowned Pass Labs sound signature, delivering exceptional clarity, detail, and musicality. Featuring a discrete Class A design, the XP-12 offers a wide range of features to enhance your audio setup. With its balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs, precision volume control, and low-noise circuitry, this preamplifier ensures optimal signal integrity and transparency. Meticulously crafted with premium components and housed in a sleek and elegant chassis, the Pass Labs XP-12 is the epitome of audio refinement.
$4950.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
86
/ 466
#86 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Circuitry Type
Solid State
/ Solid State
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking maximum clarity from low-output moving coil cartridges
- Vinyl enthusiasts using multiple cartridges requiring precise impedance matching
- Listeners prioritizing a rich, natural, and expansive soundstage
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners working within a modest audio budget
- Owners with limited shelf space for dual-chassis equipment
- Collectors running multiple turntables or tonearms simultaneously
Performance breakdown
Signal Transparency
Class A circuitry preserves the delicate nuances of every vinyl recording.
Build Integrity
Meticulously crafted chassis ensures long-term stability and vibration resistance.
Connectivity Versatility
Balanced and single-ended options accommodate a wide range of high-end systems.
Noise Floor
Low-noise design allows for an incredibly quiet and immersive background.
Gain Flexibility
Selectable settings provide excellent matching for various cartridge output levels.
Operational Control
Precision volume adjustment offers refined command over your listening levels.
Key Specs
Circuitry Type
Solid State
Output Connection Types
RCA, XLR Balanced
Input Impedance
22K ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio
0.0 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.0%
Subsonic Filter
No
Headphone Output
No
Power Supply Type
Internal
Features
- Pure Class A, fully balanced operation
- Discrete Class A circuitry
- Precision volume control
- Low-noise design
- High-voltage transistor implementation
- Selectable gain settings
- Robust build quality
- Versatile input and output connectivity
What customers say
The Pass Labs XP-17 Phono Preamplifier is highly regarded for its exceptional audio performance and build quality. Users consistently praise its sonic transparency and extremely low noise floor, which reveals subtle analog nuances. It delivers a vast, three-dimensional soundstage with powerful, controlled dynamics. Many find it transformative, allowing their cartridges to reach peak performance. Beyond the stellar sound, the unit features robust construction and an external power supply for sonic purity. A significant advantage is the extensive, easily accessible adjustability for gain and cartridge loading, ensuring compatibility with nearly any high-performance cartridge. While positioned in the high end, the consensus is that the XP-17 is a worthwhile investment for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking a benchmark solution.
Know before you buy
No, the XP-12 is a line-level preamplifier and does not include a dedicated phono input. You will need a separate phono stage if you intend to connect a turntable.
Yes, the XP-12 features versatile connectivity, offering both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs and outputs to accommodate a wide range of audio equipment.
The XP-12 does not include a headphone output. It is designed specifically as a high-performance preamplifier for use with power amplifiers and speaker systems.
The unit utilizes a precision volume control system designed to maintain signal integrity and channel balance, ensuring transparency across all listening levels.
Yes, the XP-12 comes with a remote control, allowing you to adjust volume and input selection from your listening position.
No, the XP-12 does not include a subsonic filter. It is designed for a clean, direct signal path to preserve the original audio quality of your source components.
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