XS Pre vs CH Precision L1
The L1's signal-to-noise is 130 dB against the XS Pre's 122 dB, its output impedance 30Ω against 20Ω, and its output voltage 8.0V RMS against 22.0V RMS. Both share thd (0.001%).
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Pass Labs Xs Preamp is a high-end, dual-mono, two-gain-stage Class A preamplifier designed to complement Pass Labs' Xs-300 and Xs-150 amplifiers. Each channel has its own power supply board with over 100,000µF of capacitance, combining various capacitor types for optimal performance. It features refined circuit design with new gain stages incorporating auto-bias and DC compensation, resulting in extremely low noise levels and a wide, clear soundstage. The preamp uses gold-plated ceramic circuit boards, hyper-selected matched NOS FETs, and high-quality components such as Plitron transformers and Panasonic Megtron motherboards for minimal transmission loss. It offers 6 inputs, 4 outputs, balanced 42kΩ input impedance, and a maximum output of 22V with very low distortion and noise floor (-122dBV). The unit consists of two chassis (19"W x 14"D x 6.25"H each), weighs 80 lbs, and consumes 55 watts of power. It includes a remote control and a large, dimmable high-definition display. The Xs Preamp is regarded as a no-compromise design with obsessive attention to detail and a price reflecting its flagship status.
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the XS Pre in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The L1's signal-to-noise is 130 dB against the XS Pre's 122 dB, its output impedance 30Ω against 20Ω, and its output voltage 8.0V RMS against 22.0V RMS. Both share thd (0.001%).
The 725's signal-to-noise is 140 dB against the XS Pre's 122 dB, its output impedance 2Ω against 20Ω, and its input impedance 2000Ω against 42000Ω. Both share thd (0.001%).
The C-3900S's signal-to-noise is 113 dB against the XS Pre's 122 dB, its thd 0.005% against 0.001%, its output impedance 50Ω against 20Ω, and its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 22.0V RMS.
The LINEb's signal-to-noise is 120 dB against the XS Pre's 122 dB, its thd 0.003% against 0.001%, its output impedance 90Ω against 20Ω, and its output voltage 1.6V RMS against 22.0V RMS.
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