Pass Laboratories XP-15 Phono Preamplifier

Tom Lyle has posted a review of the Pass Laboratories XP-15 phono preamplifier ($3800) at Superior Audio. His conclusions:

I can't remember the last time I wrote a review with no negative comments regarding the performance of a piece of equipment being scrutinized — there is always a nit to pick or two, but in the case of the Pass Laboratories XP-15, I can't think of any negatives. Yet a phono preamplifier, any preamplifier, any component, to be a worthy contender for the inclusion in any system depends upon quite a few things. Of course price is often the one of the greatest concern for the majority of audiophiles, but even if it is not, other factors are very important and include but are not limited to personal taste and of course system matching. In regards to system matching, if one is using a turntable with multiple tonearms or tonearm wands with different cartridges, the XP-15's rear panel controls and only one input might not be the perfect phono preamplifier (and a multi-input XP-15 would cost considerably more, as it should). But if I were forced to purchase a solid-state phono preamplifier for my own system with my own money the Pass Laboratories XP-15 would be at the top of my list. Of course this is only because it fits my system and fits my listening habits more than any other that I've ever heard before. So when I found a setting that worked best for my cartridge with the XP-15, I just forgot about this phono preamplifier and just enjoyed the music. No pun intended.

The Pass Laboratories XP-15 phono preamplifier wona Superior Audio 2010 Product of the Year Award.

You can read the full review here.