Pass Labs introduces its new flagship Line Stage - the XS Pre 2

The power supply on this new unit is dual mono with three double shielded transformers with lower radiated and mechanical noise. They also have an electrostatic shield that keeps more RFI out. One transformer for left, one for the right and then a digital one. The external power supply uses more capacitance and some pre regulators that the previous XS didn’t have.

The XS Pre 2 has a new gain circuit that offers higher bias and better stability and lower noise. Noise is the most prominent part of THD+N at low levels. By lowering noise you get better resolution and dynamics.

The output stage runs a higher class A bias with auto bias and lower output impedance. After all why would anybody make a pre that wasn't class A? The XS Pre 2 can drive long cable runs and low input impedance easily. A servo controls DC offset after it is set by hand and balance adjusted. With the new circuit configuration it does very little work.

Sonically the XS Pre 2 vs. the older one is quieter and more dynamic. It resolves better, in part, due to the new power supply and gain circuitry. It also recreates space more accurately for better realism. This is attributed to the new gain stage and power supply upgrades.

“If I walked into a room with one of our pre amps playing I could live with any of them but when you can hear them side by side I really like this one. It is the best work I have done in 35 years of doing this. I certainly didn't do it alone. Mike Jaynes did a tremendous amount of work with me on this. He dates back to the Threshold days with Nelson and myself. Sydney and Desmond Harrington did the aesthetics and mechanicals. Kent English, Anastasia Protopappas and others all contributed to this piece with listening test and critical input. Of course none of it would be possible without Nelson.”  Wayne Colburn.

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