The economical high-quality preamplifier

Following the X-P500, the X-P700 offers technical improvements rarely seen in this category: dual mono design and the most direct signal processing (Direct Path). There is the option to choose between two output modes: Class A operation using batteries in a dual construction, close to tubes, and the discrete operation, based on JFet differential and current reflection in the battery, biased in Class AB, more traditional. Its design is very minimalist and refined, with a single rotary switch accompanied by a button for confirming choices: access to inputs, volume adjustment, bass/treble, balance, or even loudness. The remote control activates these functions remotely.

The X-P700 is truly very complete: nine analog inputs, one of which is balanced, and one MM/MC phono. In the digital domain: two optical inputs, one compressed input, one USB-B (Xmos), and one USB-A. The DAC is the powerful Burr Brown PCM 1796 -24 bit/192 kHz converter. On the output side, the X-P700 offers one RCA line with balanced XLR, plus one high-pass output and two for subwoofers. Headphone enthusiasts are in luck: two inputs on the front (6.35 and 3.5 jack) plus dual independent gain adjustment under +6, 0, -4 dB and output impedance 0 or 100 ohms.

The X-P700 is very seriously built, starting with the discreet 10mm black methacrylate front panel, common in the Classic Line. But the interior is more revealing: two high-capacity toroidal transformers supply filtered and regulated dual-mono power to the motherboard, which also contains the preamplifier stages. The quality of the adjustable MC phono stage for high and low levels, as well as the MM capability, is remarkable for this budget, hard to imagine better.

In summary, at the price offered, the new X-P700 is hard to find a better choice. This is what we aimed for from the beginning of the development of this new preamplifier. We did not compromise on the quality of the components, the decoding, or the power, the kind of attention that counts during listening.

The X-P700 is the ideal preamplifier, it can be connected to our range of power amplifiers such as the famous X-A160 (or EVO), X-A220 (or EVO), BX2, or the new X-A600 or any other Audiophile quality power amplifier. Happy listening. Discover!