Pass Labs XP-17 Phono Preamplifier Preview

See the complete review of the Pass Labs XP-17 Phono Preamplifier

Pass Labs doesn’t change up models unless they can make significant upgrades when compared to existing products, so when they introduced the new XP-17 Phono Preamplifier in 2017 as a replacement to their highly regarded XP-15, I knew that it would be a worthwhile trial.

With both balanced and single-ended outputs, an almost limitless amount of configurations to suit just about any cartridge needs, and an improved input stage for less noise, the Pass Labs XP-17 Phono Preamplifier packs a tremendous offering of features and performance in its $4,300 price tag.

Having owned a variety of Pass labs gear over the recent years, I have appreciated and respected the development work that Nelson Pass has put into his amplifiers, and with what Wayne Coburn has done with their preamplifiers. Founded in 1991, Pass Labs has built a very solid reputation for developing and manufacturing some of the finest audio components available. If you ask anybody in the know within the high end audio industry about Pass Labs, they’ll most likely talk about their trademark industrial design, high level of performance, and dedication to accurate music reproduction.

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In keeping with that tradition, they have developed the XP-17 Phono Preamplifier to offer stunning clarity through the use of technologies learned in their ultra high-end XS product line (XS Phono Preamp sells for $45K!), and put it all together in a relatively affordable package that will suit the needs of most analog-oriented customers. And if you’re the type who owns a variety of cartridges, or like to buy and sell them regularly to find that “perfect” fit, the XP-17 has the ability to handle just about any cartridge you can throw at it.

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During my time so far with the Pass Labs XP-17, I have found that it has the ability to do everything that I want it to do, and then some. Looking for a huge soundstage? Yep, it’ll do that. Want to extract the finest of details? Check on that as well. Like dead quiet backgrounds with massive dynamics? You get that in spades.

See the complete review of the Pass Labs XP-17 Phono Preamplifier

Todd Cooperider

Todd resides in Columbus, Ohio, and owns a world-renowned auto detailing / product sales / professional training company specializing in Ferraris and other exotic brands. Over the years, he has published hundreds of articles about the fine art of detailing, and enjoys educating and inspiring others to take the craft and business to new heights. The same passion (sickness?) that motivates one to spend 40 or 50 hours polishing a car to perfection is also responsible for Todd’s lifelong pursuit of audio and video nirvana. As a teenager he worked in his local electronics store where he got his first introduction to high fidelity, at which time the chase down the rabbit hole officially began. His first “high end” system consisted of NAD electronics and Phase Technology speakers. During that time of modest budgets, he continued to frequent high-end audio shops around the country and even in the Akihabara district of Japan as he searched for the reference in audio equipment by which all else is measured. Now after years of auditioning, reading, and studying the audio and video industry, he has assembled a few very nice systems in his house that he can enjoy on a daily basis. While ever-evolving, he currently has a house-wide Control4 based system with 7 video zones (wired for 9), and 5 audio zones (wired for 9). His main theater / audio room is a hybrid of two different systems…one being a 2.1 system featuring a Pro-Ject turntable, Sutherland 20/20 phono pre, Pass Labs XP20 pre-amp, Pass Labs X250.5 Amp, JL Audio CR-1 Crossover, Revel F208 mains, and a JL Audio F113 sub. The other part of the system is a full 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos setup with Revel C205 center, Revel F206 rears, and Origin Acoustics ceiling speakers. Processing and additional channel amplification is handled by Integra, with an Oppo BDP-105D. Todd’s desire in writing for SECRETS was to share his passion for audio and video with others, and to hopefully inspire more people to enjoy the hobby as much as he does.