The XP-27 is where you step into truly reference vinyl: lower noise, higher resolution, and greater dynamic contrast—delivered via a two-chassis layout built to keep the signal path calm and the background quiet.
It’s a phono stage that lets cartridges sound like themselves—fast, textured, and dimensional—while giving you the flexibility to support more than one analog front end.
That flexibility isn’t just convenient—it’s part of what makes the XP-27 feel “ready for the long term.” As your cartridge, tonearm, or table improves, the XP-27 continues to reveal more without turning analytical. If you want vinyl playback that feels spacious, grounded, and emotionally direct, this is a serious cornerstone.
SPECS AT A GLANCE
- Gain options: 56 / 66 / 76 dB
- Inputs: 2
- RIAA response: ±0.1 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz)
- Power consumption: 50 W | Chassis: 2 | Weight: 45 lbs
Best Analog – 2024 Gear of the Year Awards (Nominee)
Review futureaudiophile.com – 2024
The Absolute Sound’s 2023 Buyer’s Guide
The Absolute Sound
TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2022
The Absolute Sound
“Having used Pass gear for decades, the XP-27 phono stage illustrates their commitment to innovation and evolution. It is as strong in 2021 as it’s ever been. The prior XP-25 was excellent, but the new XP-27 incorporates much of what the Pass design team has learned in the design and building of their flagship XS Phono.”
Review tonepublications.com – 2025
“The XP-27 is a fully balanced, dual-input, very adjustable phono preamplifier with all its adjustments on the front panel. As already mentioned, it employs separate chassis for the power supply and the signal circuitry.”
Review futureaudiophile.com – 2024
“The XP-27 offers tremendous performance and a host of features. At the same time, it is intended for mid-level-and-up audio systems with a superior analog section.”
Review stereophile.com – Jim Austin 2024
“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 |
Best Analog – 2024 Gear of the Year Awards (Nominee)
Review futureaudiophile.com – 2024
The Absolute Sound’s 2023 Buyer’s Guide
The Absolute Sound
TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2022
The Absolute Sound
“Having used Pass gear for decades, the XP-27 phono stage illustrates their commitment to innovation and evolution. It is as strong in 2021 as it’s ever been. The prior XP-25 was excellent, but the new XP-27 incorporates much of what the Pass design team has learned in the design and building of their flagship XS Phono.”
Review tonepublications.com – 2025
“The XP-27 is a fully balanced, dual-input, very adjustable phono preamplifier with all its adjustments on the front panel. As already mentioned, it employs separate chassis for the power supply and the signal circuitry.”
Review futureaudiophile.com – 2024
“The XP-27 offers tremendous performance and a host of features. At the same time, it is intended for mid-level-and-up audio systems with a superior analog section.”
Review stereophile.com – Jim Austin 2024
“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