I got the RAL umbilical cables for my XP-32 and the improvement in sound is dramatic and wonderful. I expected an improvement but for me it was like a component upgrade. I highly recommend the RAL umbilical cables for the Pass XP preamps.
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There’s no right or wrong answer in my opinion. If you prefer the sound of the volume control in the DAC, then that could potentially save you some money by selling the Pass.
Or you can spend even more on the Pass buying the RAL for it.
You just got two endorsements for that approach.
Before you do anything, I would call Pass and speak to Kent. He’ll give you an honest and pragmatic answer to your specific questions. And that’s free.
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Wildly differing results are unexpected. Interesting. Much like my experience so far with this piece. So where is this cable on the RAL website? Is there a description somewhere there that I could use to make sure it’s the correct one? At this point I’m open to try almost anything. Can’t help but feel that there is a really special preamp lurking somewhere in there if I can figure out how to unleash it.
Good luck in your search for the answer.
I can tell you with absolute certainty that when your preamp left the factory, it was a finished product. It needed no bandaids to easily produce a more refined, elegant, detailed advantage in every way to the volume control in your DAC.
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Already talked to Kent. Yes he was very helpful. I got the impression that he is a bit at a loss understanding my lack of enthusiasm for the results I’m getting. I can understand how many users may really like it because the sound I’m getting even now is not what you would call “bad” per se. It’s just when I hook up my DAC directly, bypassing the preamp, the results are superior, it’s not even close. It’s just this direct comparison that leads to me to feel dissatisfied. When I listen to vinyl with it the sound is much better than I’m used to with my old preamp. Worst case I could just bypass the preamp when listening to digital but I would hate to go through that hassle every time. Having the convenience of using the preamp in is very nice. Can’t shake the feeling that there is that one thing in setup that might unlock this thing. Just placing Stack Audio footers under the preamp cabinet made a big difference.
By the way, Kent checked the service history of my unit and he confirmed it was checked out as recently as 2022 and it was given a clean bill of health.
I have the XP-22 driving my XA-25 and immediately heard a minor improvement with the RAL cable over the stock Pass Labs cable. Primarily soundstage depth and width improved.
I know a couple guys, one forum member included who digitizes vinyl with an old PS Audio analog to digital converter. Then uses the DAC for total system volume control. This might be a good solution for you.
I’ve thought of that but I couldn’t give up my MKII. I love this DAC.
No. The MK2 would be your only system volume control. You would be eliminating the Pass.
Something is amiss from your description. Refresh my memory what amp are you using with the DQ10 speaker, gotta love those speakers. Back in the day I lusted after them. Being in college at the time they seemed impractical and the ADS 810 won the day. They too were a great but more practical speaker.
Getting back on topic, I’d hold off tweaking the XP-22 and send it to Kent English for a proper check-up. If all is good and you are disappointed sell the XP-22, demand is rather high for them on the used market.
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I’m using the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra amp. Love it!
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Even though it was checked out 3 years ago something doesn’t seem kosher and sending it in for a good once-over makes a heckuva lot of sense. Especially before seeking this and that in an attempt to “fix” what may not be a problem.
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Cool amp, I do wonder the Orchard and Pass may not be on friendly terms. Immediately a different interconnect between the two comes to mind, but it is a bandaid, a significant bandaid. Cardas or Kimber could help, skip Iconoclast.
Maybe, but I’m using the same amp and interconnects with my DAC directly and it sounds great that way.
The point is to tone down the high end with interconnects. My experience with the XP-22 indicates something is wrong with your XP-22. Send it to the mothership without delay. 
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Yes, I used to do that. Was a satisfactory way to listen to vinyl, and using the Mk2 as the “preamp” for the system was great. I know use the same phono preamp from balanced analog out into a Decware ZBIT and ZROCK3 and get a bit better sound . . . because of the ZBIT and ZROCK3. (My amplifier has a preamp stage that is/was used in both scenarios).
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Some of us seem to be dismissing the fact that everybody’s taste is different. There’s no guarantee that Pass Labs will sound good to some.
My tendency here would be to sell the XP-22 and use that money for the PMG preamp.
I’m sure it will be a nice synergy with the MK2.
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Well, that has been at the back of my mind all along. Didn’t go that route because the PMG lacks the tape loop that the XP-22 has. It has proven very useful in incorporating my Loki Max EQ. Of course this could be a possibility in the future as sales are likely in the future based on past history of PSA. I’m certainly in no hurry to go down the route but certainly a possibility in the future.
Have you tried running the MkII through the tape loop, still using the DAC as the volume source? I wonder if that would shed any light on anything?
Sounds like you need some tubes in your life?
Maybe a tube preamp that leans to neutral. Backert Labs comes to mind, I think they may have a trial period, not 100% on that
Best,
JP