If I was in the market for Pass Labs I would be calling Mark this week
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Not a nicer guy in this business than Mark.
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Yes he is one of the “good people” who always have time to offer expertise or just have a chat.
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Years ago, I bought an XP-15 from him. When I mentioned that the price was a few hundred dollars more than I wanted to spend he said “ well, I guess we’ll have to take a few hundred dollars off” and he did!
Also put it in a new factory box (it was a demo sale) because he said the box was a little banged up
I didn’t love the xp-15 (midrange was just not what I liked) but I knew if I ever was to purchase another Pass piece I would be calling Mark
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Purchased 5 pieces from Mark over the years. One First Watt amp, one Pass amp, two preamps and a phono preamp. I have worked with no one more accommodating than Mark, who also accepted a trade piece I received very generous credit for. A true gentlemen I enjoyed doing business with. Wishing him all the best in retirement.
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I enjoyed my purchasing experience from Mark when XA30.8 first came out. Then every year he sends me a calendar. Much appreciated his customer service and salesmanship.
Could you briefly elaborate on what aspect of the XP-15 midrange you didn’t care for, and also the phono cartridge involved?
I prefer a little more warmth in the mid-range than the xp-15 provided, this is going back a few years and I swap out carts pretty frequently, but I believe it was a Quintet Black and maybe a Benz Glider as well
Best,
-JP
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Most helpful, as I also prefer a bit of warmth in the mids, and currently run a Quintet Black on a VPI Prime. Had a Cadenza, but it met with an untimely end. I am considering a phono upgrade centered on my upgraded Linn Sondek LP12. I’m running a Denon DL-304, which runs lean, into a Sim Audio LP310 feeding a Threshold Ten H/L preamp. Under consideration for an upgrade are either a Dynavector XX2 MKii, or a Hana ML into a Pass Labs XP-17 feeding a Pass Labs XP-12. Amplification is Pass Labs XA-25 to Pure Audio Project Trio 15 Classics. I’m leaning towards the Hana ML, as a friend has the same turntable, tonearm, cart and phono preamp. It is well suited to acoustic jazz. I believe the Dyna may offer a bit more detail over the Hana. Have yet to make a decision. Thanks again.
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Sounds like a solid plan. I own an XX2 Mk2 and like it quite a bit good dynamics and detail for the money and the xp-17 is a little different animal than the xp-15
I run a Klyne Audio Arts SK-5 as phono stage mostly with SUT’s into MM input. Also just ordered a Modwright PH9X for a change of pace from the Klyne. I had a PH 9 a while back but the Klyne spanked it so going to try the 9X which is supposed to be a significant upgrade + more tubez to roll (a good thing - for me anyway)
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Klyne was on the list, but a bit thin sounding. The Sim Audio LP 310 more or less fell into my lap, and being familiar with it I went for it. No regrets. The Dyna has always been considered a good mate for the LP 12 with an Ittok LVII arm. In your opinion how does the Pass Labs XP-17 improve upon the XP-15?
I started with an XP15, upgraded to an XP17. I clearly remember that the 17 had much more body and refinement to the midrange.
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never owned the 17 maybe some of the “Pass guys” will chime in but I beleive they did away with the mc/mm switch which is a good thing and I have heard it is a little more 3d sounding
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Most helpful, as ultimately that is what I seek. IME the Sim Audio LP310 is a bit of an over achiever. The LP 610 is something else again, but would necessitate a vinyl playback upgrade investment beyond what I consider reasonable.
Speaking of the Modwright and tubes, these just arrived at my office. PH9X expected Thursday so says FedEx
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I own the ‘17 and owned the ‘15. The ‘17 is an all around better phono pre. Just sounds more natural.
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Mark is a fantastic guy. I purchased some Pass gear from him years ago. He is honest and 100% stood behind what he sold. I understand him retiring, but class acts like Mark will be missed. I wish him well in retirement.
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