PassX1 with black power supply vs Chassis supply

I purchased the 'hybrid" X1 with the smaller ps box. I could hear no difference between the two designs when I auditioned. According to Pass the supply is the same internally and the difference is only cosmetic. I actually prefer the smaller box unit. It allows me greater flexibility in placement- well away from sensitive components. I may be wrong here but it seems that 15 years ago most separate power supplies were designed with long umbilicals to keep them ( and their magnetic field) away from the preamp circuits and other components. Now days it’s in vogue is to show off the supply in it's expensive milled case. Perhaps power supplies and internal shielding have developed so this is not as important?

Just passing on what the dealer told me.

Hi Bigkidz, I'll ask but I cannot see Pass sending an amp or preamp for trial accross Canadian customs.

Did you ask Peter at Pass to send you one so that you could hear it for yourslef and ask him if he'd take it on a trade in for some extra $$$ is you like it?

Try him.

Happy Listening.

Nuttella. I was told that too but there is supposed to be a subtle inprovenent. They have more space for the parts in the bigger supply and the weight of the chassis power supply would have a benefit to the sound as well.They would at Pass had the space to add parts or change parts as necessary I believe the biiger power supply probably sounds better but I' m trying to decide if it's a big enough improvement to spend the money for the upgrade. I don't have the option to hear them side by side but apparently a few people have done this upgrade but for the cosmetic benefit. I would be just as happy to upgradse the black supply with internal improvements and keep the small black power supply but I don't think it can be done. I will end up with the full chassis power supply at some point which would look good come to think of it.

I auditioned the X1 with an X250 at a dealer showroom. When I asked the dealer the very same question, I was told that the only differences were cosmetic.