I just upgraded my Amp from a X-150 to an X-350 and love the increased dynamics in my large room. I find them to be similar sounding amps. More fineness, control and dynamics w/ the X-350. My Top end, depending on the recording, can be harsh and fatuging at high listening levels still,(not as bad). Next move, Should I replace my Adcom GFP-750 Pre, the preamp people love to hate (I can only compare it to a Placette Line stage, similar results in my system). I think the Adcom is fine in passive mode and a waste of time in active mode. Should I spend my dough on a 2.5 or X-1 preamp or go to the X-350.5 Amp upgrade for the most bang for the buck? Trl Modified Sony SACD-2000 ES , Sansui Tu-717 Tuner Speakers: Audio Physic Virgo II's and Two Rel Storm III Subs,"a tasty combo" Greg
Null 1, I'm useing Analysis Plus Oval 9's speaker cables, M.A.S. Xlr interconnects and Pass Labs supplied power cords. On My TRL Mod SACD player I have a TRL Silver power cord, I forget the model. Greg
Null1, I have no room treatments and I don't use a power conditioner. I have my system in the main living area. I would be afraid for my personal safety if I attempted to make my audio presence dominate my wife's decor. I don't have problems intergrating my speakers and subs.. they match seamlessly great bass!... higher mids and highs can be harsh though at higher spl's. I am an Electrician. At one point in my life, back in the disco era, I ran circuits for Live and D.J. music systems. So I have 2 dedicated 20 amp circuits. One for Amplification and the other for source componets. My neutral and mechanical grounds are not bonded (they are grounded independently)I also use audio quailty outlets( all copper, no brass parts) My Amp circuit is run W/ #10 solid copper wire(less voltage drop during periods of higher demand). They are as quiet as any residental circuits can be
9rw, Are you talking tube or solid state when recommending Audio Research? There are so many A.R. pre's on the used market. What have you used w/ your X-350? If you are not familiar with my Audio Physic Virgo's they have a similar sound to Magnapan and other Electostatics...(but are not). They just tend to get a little sharp in the highs. I'm really surprised the Adcom does't match up better with the Pass Amps. I had the X-150 first, with the same results. I believe Wayne Colburn of Pass designed the Adcom 750 and is just a less complicated design than the Pass Aleph P.
Thank you all for your help! I've narrowed my choices to an X-1 or X-0.2 (possible trouble in paradise W/ the 0.2 price). It probably makes sense to stay with Pass products for the synergy. The next logical upgrade would be the X-350.5. The X-350 is the best Amp I've had in my system...so I don't know why I'm even discussing replacing it! (as my wife likes to point out,"It's never going to stop, is it!"). I wish I could A/B this stuff in my living room with several other pairs of ears and a glass of Red! Cheers to all, Greg
sirspeedy, Let's face it, the main factors to system synergy are in different order for everyone. Spouse,Room response,Quaility of equip, recording quailty and amount we have or have not imbibed! By the way I had a truely great Zinfandel from Black Sheep Winery, 2000 Clockspring Vineyard, in Amador County Ca. It would bring anyone's system up a notch! Cheers, Greg
I took 9rw's advice. I bought a refurbed Pass Labs X-1 from Reno Hifi. It's dead quite, with much more finess, a huge sound stage! My highs are less bright and more natural. The base response is also tighter... go figure. Anyone looking for a Adcom GFP-750?. I think I will A/B them this weekend and really try to get a solid understanding of the Adcom's strenth and weekness.
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