I don't know if this is valid: I've heard the X-1000 vs the 33Hs lashed up to the W/P 6's using Nordost SPM reference. The 33Hs were very detailed, relaxed and fluid sounding compared to the X-1000's (but base had a little more extension with the Pass Labs). Perhaps the Nordost was more synergistic with ML; with different cabling, one may be able to obtain similair results with the PL's - that's why I hesitate to be more dogmatic. Cables, cables, cables, play with the cable!