The XP-500 is a dual mono preamplifier, with independent left and right channels powered by two high current capacity toroidal transformers. This design ensures better channel separation and a superior stereo image.
The X-P500 is the true command center of your system, compatible with all current analog, digital, dematerialized or physical sources. Each input type has been meticulously studied. The X-P500 features nine analog inputs, including a balanced input and a phono input configurable for MM or MC with dual level. The phono cartridge capacitance is adjustable.
On the digital side, the X-P500 has two optical digital inputs, one coaxial digital input, an asynchronous USB B input (XMOS), and a USB A input. The conversion of digital signals is handled by the renowned Wolfson WM8742 converter.
These digital inputs are complemented by a proprietary port allowing you to connect the X-FTB01 BT direct path adapter. The signal processing is as direct as possible to avoid altering its original quality. The interactive menu offers two operating modes: “Class A” or discrete mode. The “Class A” output is based on a circuit using only bipolar transistors in a “double cascode” configuration, offering distortion performance similar to a tube design, very homogeneous and biased in Class A. The “discrete” output is based on a more classic topology with a JFET differential input stage and a bipolar current mirror, with a Class AB biased output, more prone to odd harmonic distortion sometimes less appreciated “by ear”, but sometimes also perceived as more defined.
The X-P500 is particularly easy to use thanks to a single rotary knob with push validation, providing access to input selection, volume adjustments, bass and treble controls, balance, loudness, and disabling the automatic shutdown after 30 minutes of inactivity.
On the output side, the X-P500 is as comprehensive as on the input side: a balanced (XLR), an unbalanced (RCA), a recording output (Rec Out), a high-pass output, and two sub-bass outputs. Finally, as the icing on the cake, the designers haven’t forgotten headphone listening enthusiasts by integrating, under the unit, independent dual adjustments for two headphones with +6, 0, -4 dB gain and 0 or 100Ω output impedance.
