The twin chassis XP-27 eclipses the already exceptional performance of the well-reviewed and well-received XP-15, XP-25 & XP-17: delivering enhanced RIAA performance at a fraction of the previous distortion. The new design uses double shielded low noise toroidal transformers in external supply connected via aviation grade circular connectors using silver over oxygen free copper. The power supply is dual mono with two transformers with lower radiated and mechanical noise. Noise is the most prominent part of THD+N at low levels, so by lowering noise we get better resolution and dynamics.The XP-27 input and gain circuitry are similar to that found in the Xs Phono. This means switching and loading is done at higher signal levels, minimizing noise and improving low level performance.
The Absolute Sound’s 2023 Buyer’s Guide
The Absolute Sound
TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2022
The Absolute Sound
“The XP-27 phonostage is also a two-box design. On the rear panel of the control unit, in addition to the power connections, are two sets of RCA inputs—this phonostage can be connected to two turntables or dual tonearms on one ’table—and two pairs of outputs, one each XLR and RCA.”
TAS Golden Ear Award – 2021
“The Pass Labs XP-22 preamplifier ($9,500 USD) and the XP-27 phono preamplifier ($11,500 USD) currently occupy the middle spots in the company’s line-up, just under the flagship XS models. Both are designed to be ultra-quiet, with the external power supplies using double-shielded low-noise toroidal dual-mono transformers”
PartTimeAudio Summer Guide: Best preamps – 2021
“I have been a big fan of Pass Labs for many years. Their products have always sounded and tested like the terrific units they are. The new XP-27 is no exception. Characterized by low distortion, clarity, and excellent detail, it is worthy of any high-end audio system.”
hometheaterhifi.com / John Johnson
| Gain options | 56, 66, 76dB |
| Inputs | 2 |
| RIAA response | plus/minus .1 dB 20-20 KHz |
| Power consumption | 50 watts |
| Number of chassis | 2 |
| Dimensions, each chassis | 17”W x 12”D x 4”H |
| Weight (Lbs) | 45 |
| Gain options | 56, 66, 76dB |
| Inputs | 2 |
| RIAA response | plus/minus .1 dB 20-20 KHz |
| Power consumption | 50 watts |
| Number of chassis | 2 |
| Dimensions, each chassis | 17”W x 12”D x 4”H |
| Weight (Lbs) | 45 |
The Absolute Sound’s 2023 Buyer’s Guide
The Absolute Sound
TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2022
The Absolute Sound
“The XP-27 phonostage is also a two-box design. On the rear panel of the control unit, in addition to the power connections, are two sets of RCA inputs—this phonostage can be connected to two turntables or dual tonearms on one ’table—and two pairs of outputs, one each XLR and RCA.”
TAS Golden Ear Award – 2021
“The Pass Labs XP-22 preamplifier ($9,500 USD) and the XP-27 phono preamplifier ($11,500 USD) currently occupy the middle spots in the company’s line-up, just under the flagship XS models. Both are designed to be ultra-quiet, with the external power supplies using double-shielded low-noise toroidal dual-mono transformers”
PartTimeAudio Summer Guide: Best preamps – 2021
“I have been a big fan of Pass Labs for many years. Their products have always sounded and tested like the terrific units they are. The new XP-27 is no exception. Characterized by low distortion, clarity, and excellent detail, it is worthy of any high-end audio system.”
hometheaterhifi.com / John Johnson