Overview
Succeeding to the X-P500, the X-P700 offers technical refinements rarely encountered in this range: dual mono design and the most direct signal processing possible (Direct Path). Supreme refinement, it is possible to choose between two output schemes: the class A mode using bipolars in double-cascade assembly, close to a tube gradient, and the Discret mode, based on a JFet differential and mirror of current in bipolars, polarized in class AB, more traditional. Its design is very sober and pure, a single rotary knob is present with a push to validate the choices: access to inputs, volume adjustment, bass/treble tones, balance or even loudness. The remote control activating these functions remotely.
The X-P700 is really very complete: nine analog inputs, one of which is balanced, and one MM/MC phono. On the digital side: two optical inputs, one coaxial input, one USB-B input (Xmos) as well as a USB-A. The DAC is the powerful Burr Brown PCM 1796 -24 bit/192 kHz converter.
On the output side, the X-P700 offers an RCA lined with a balanced XLR, plus a high-pass output and two for sub. Headset enthusiasts are pampered: two inputs on the front (6.35 and 3.5 jack) plus below a double independent adjustment of gain +6, 0, -4 dB and output impedance 0 or 100 ohms.
The X-P700 is very seriously built, starting with the sober 10 mm black methacrylate front panel, common to the Classic Line. But the interior is more revealing: two high-capacity toroidal transformers supply the double-mono power supply filtered and regulated on the motherboard, also containing the preamplification stages. The quality of the adjustable MC high and low level phono stage, as well as the MM capacitance is remarkable for this budget, hard to imagine anything better.
In short, at the price at which the new X-P700 is offered, it is difficult to propose better. This is what we wanted from the start of the development of this new preamplifier. We didn’t skimp on the quality of components, decoding or power supply, the kind of attention that counts when listening. The X-P700 is the ideal preamplifier, it can be associated with 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. Good listening. To discover!
