By Juan C. Ayllon The next season promises to be an exciting bustle around the cave, as we prepare for another round of reviews. The pipeline includes The Torus Power AVR-2 ELITE 20 Power Isolation Transformer, the Pass Labs X-250.8 amplifier, Pass Labs XP-12 preamplifier, and Pass Labs XP-17 phono stage. Torus Power caught my attention this last year when I was investigating possible power conditioners that could accommodate a high current amplifier like my Odyssey Stereo Khartago Extreme amplifier and discovered that Bryston recommended one of their power conditioners for use with their monoblock amps. As a result, I reached out to Torus and, now, I get to try out this latest iteration of their power isolation transformers. However, I won't just test it out on my Khartago, but a Pass Labs amp, preamp and phono stage! That's cause for excitement.
For a long time, the Pass Labs reputation for excellence has piqued my interest and, soon, I will be able to review a Pass Labs system at length. During a recent conversation with Fred Kat of Usher Audio USA and Katli Audio (which includes Pass Labs in its portfolio of offerings), he assured me that I would thoroughly enjoy the experience, adding that the XP-17 is a remarkable performer for its price point (roughly $4,300, from what I understand). "You're going to enjoy it, alright," Straight Wire, Inc.'s president said of the X-250.8 amp, adding, "Just don't fall in love with it!" Alas, he is right; as an audio reviewer, I get to taste, to try out and evaluate, but in the end, unless I'm buying, I must return the gear. As the pithy saying goes, parting can be such sweet sorrow. To that I say, "Whatever!" I'm going to have a grand old time. Bottom line, I think the Man Cave will be swinging quite a bit in the upcoming season.
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Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
March 2024
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