Does anyone own the Pass Labs X1 preamp?

Switching to a Spectral preamp (DMC-30S) from a Sonic Frontiers Line 3 made a significant difference in the two areas that you mention. The Spectral is much faster, more transparent, and very free of distortion. I didn't realize how grainy the sound of the Line 3 was until I replaced it with the Spectral preamp. More significant improvements came when I switched from a Krell FPB-300 amp to a Spectral DMA-150Mk2 amp.

Switching to Spectral components brought significant improvements in resolution, clarity, separation between instruments, and natural accuracy. You should definitely look into a Spectral preamp -- and possibly even a Spectral amp.

Quin - Read Judit's post on 9/22. Note the use of Krell amps and the goals that Judit listed. I achieved EXACTLY those goals when adding the Spectral preamp (while still using my Krell amp).

Also, Judit mentions "I have listened to tubes. Much to love here, but no sale so far. I would really like a solid state pre - but edgy is out." To me that sounded like an open door for other recommendations particularly since Judit closes by saying "Thanks for any feedback you can provide."

Quin, I have at least attempted to provide some value. Your post doesn't offer much of anything. What do you recommend?

I guarantee you that Judit would be DELIGHTED with a Spectral preamp -- I certainly have been delighted with mine. (I couldn't resist sneaking in another plug for Spectral.) :-)

Regards,
Ken

The DMC-30S lists for $6500. It is just slightly more expensive than the X1, which lists for $5990.

I had never considered Spectral myself because of hearing other opinions similar to yours Platsolos. What changed my mind was hearing a Spectral system at Overture in DE. That system was anything by dry and non-musical. As a result I couldn't help but to purchase a system for myself. I can say for sure that my system is more musical now than ever.

The Spectral stuff is very revealing of what is going on upstream. Bad sounding CDs and LPs sound a bit worse than they did with my previous system. Use of compression on recordings, for example, is much more noticable (and more annoying).

On the plus side though, recordings that previously sounded just average have taken on new life. Removing the layer of noise that was present in my other components has allowed me to better appreciate the sound of average recordings.

I would imagine that Spectral might not be everyone's cup of tea. I do think though that their stuff is worthy of an audition. JMHO

Ken