That would be best. We’re here for you when you want.
First of all, you’re considering two of the best manufacturers in the business, so it’s just a matter of what sounds best to you in your own chair. My opinion, or anyone else’s is worth maybe 5%. The other 95% is your ears.
1 Like
Yes, of course, just trying to narrow down options is all.
As far as your budget … Reno HiFi has a used XP-10 for $2,495 and a used XP-20 for $3,495. Each comes with a one-year warranty. With one exception, all of the Pass gear I have purchased has been used. Never had a problem in almost 20 years of buying and selling (even after watching a mover drop one of my monoblocks). Nelson’s stuff is pretty much bullet-proof.
My advice would be not to talk yourself out of what may or may not be affordable and focus on how each design sounds in your setup. BHK or Nelson Pass? Just about every piece designed by these two have become “classics.” It’s all about how it sounds and how you feel about having the idiosyncrasies of fire bottles (tubes) in your signal path
1 Like
Thanks, I appreciate you checking Reno for me. I know Mark well and like you buy my Pass gear used (from him). Onto home demos for me - thanks to everyone for their inputs.
Another example of kind audiophiles working together on PS Audio’s wickedly awesome community forum pages.
Paul, you and your team are changing the paradigm of consumer / industry engagement…for the better.
Thank you so much!
2 Likes
I agree. This forum and the active support and participation of PSA owners and top brass is one of the main reasons I chose PSA over the competition.
I have the BHK Pre with the Pass X250.8. The BHK Pre was in my system for a year before the X250.8 was bought. Previously I had a White Audio X100 and bringing in the BHK Pre was an amazing upgrade (previously had AR LS2), just as the Pass Amp was a stunning upgrade over the White. The Pass amp and the PSA pre is a great combo, but like a number of other people have said, try both Preamps taking advantage of Reno HiFi (where I got my amp) and PSA friendly trial times. I think either way you go, you’ll be very happy because both preamps are made by good companies and are quality components.
You’re welcome, t-j. It’s an honor to be part of this group. I hope we can continue keeping it friendly, engaging, and a safe place for audiophiles to gather, share, and learn.
1 Like
Amen to that.
Thanks. We’re here and have no intention of going anywhere. Further, as we fully shift into our USA direct model our level of service, attention to detail, and availability to our Hi-Fi Family will only get better. We’re just getting started.
Keep it up, Paul. I love my system and have never looked back…
Thanks! Much appreciated. I think going with all one brand is a good safe bet since the designers have worked to extract as much synergy as possible. There’s magic to be had in everything designed to work together.
I’m consolidating, downsizing and the past couple days, I inserted my BHK preamp in place of my Pass Xp-22 and I’m just thrilled with how good the BHK is. I’m quite sure it’s staying where it is. They’re quite similar but the BHK has just a bit of tube aroma that I really like. Sort of like the kitchen when my mother would bake bread.
5 Likes
Haha, love the analogy. I installed my demo BHK just two hours ago.
I have approx 3 hours on my BHK Pre/DSD combo and I’m already blown away. Previously I has a Benchmark DAC HGC directly to my Pass amp and felt it was too sharp/fatiguing with a slightly bloomy bass. Now it’s so easy to listen to with well controlled bass.
The PSA hasn’t really taken it to the next level…it’s taken it to several levels!
And this is after just a few hours, I can’t wait to see how it improves/evolves over the next week or two.
Fantastic job PS Audio.
1 Like
I had the Benchmark combo with dual amps and now have the BHK/DAC and 300’s.
The upshot of this is what Paul and others have said…take a good listen to them.
With every PSA trail the unit stayed, simple as that. Been awhile since I have tried Pass
and have always liked what I heard. Sometimes these “great product” comparisons
come down to personalities. I have often heard greater differences in interconnects
and cords than components.
Bravo! Thanks for letting us know. This is exciting! Send pics.
If it’s anything like my bhk it will take about 150 hours to come to full song. Then 250 to really settle in. Then you can start to drive yourself around the bend trying out different tubes! Hint, tungsram hungary 12au7s are good cheap nos tube.
Thanks for the tube recommendation!