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Pass Labs X-1 Preamp Questions:

Hi all,
These questions about the Pass Labs X-1 preamp are for people who own, have owned, or are very familiar with the Pass Labs X-1 preamp, with the full sized power supply:
1.Is the Pass Labs X-1 preamp sensitive to cables, and power cords? If so, what are the best brands to bring out the best this preamp has to offer?
2. Is the Pass X-1 sensitive to support feet, cones, blocks, or other items placed under it?
If so, what are the best things to put under it?
3. Does the Pass X-1 generally sound best with the control unit stacked on top of the power supply, the power supply stacked on top of the control unit, or with the two units well seperated from one another, or, does it really matter that much either way?
4. Is the Pass X-1 sensitive to A/C plug orientation?
Also, does it generally sound better with the extra ground left working, or with the extra ground disconnected or defeated with a "cheater-plug" for example?
5. The Pass X-1 sounds really good in my system [see my system in my member name section of audiogon], but, compared to a Parasound P/LD-2000 preamp that I also own, the Pass X-1 seems to sound a tad thin, cool, and instruments and voices seem to have less weight, texture, body, solidity, and warmth. The bass also seems less solid. Are there any ways to diminish these things, or do you think that I may just be used to hearing possible colorations of the P/LD-2000 preamp?
6. Any other things to know about tweaking the sound of the Pass X-1?
Thanks in advance!
daltonlanny

Showing 1 response by shion_ca

shion_ca
26 posts
 
1. The pass X-1 is sensitive to cables and cords. The best moderately priced solution I've found is the cardas golden reference PC, and Harmonic Tech Magic link cabling

2. Get a good solid platform under it, but as far as cones etc. goes I noticed changes but never real overall improvements. You'd gain something you'd loose something.

3. I noticed some improvement having the two units on different shelves. Maybe it's not good to have a source of electromagnetics right next to the inputs on the control section.

4. never tried

5. The pass has excellent tight bass control and I've never heard it's bass quality as being a complaint. Try a golden reference on it to richen it up a bit perhaps. I would probably look elsewhere for this problem. You want real good bass try a Cary audio 306/200. You won't bother with SACD untill you can afford something like a Esoteric X-01

6. Most importantly, the X-1 shines with balanced connections in a fully balanced systems. Try some Magic Link XLR's between the CD to pre and pre to amp and you'll get a lot more fullness, depth and tonal texture out of it.

Are you running fully balanced?
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