Does anyone own the Pass Labs X1 preamp?

I think the Krells matched to the Pass would be OK, but not exactly synergestic.

A good interim between tube and solid state is the Herron preamp, a tube heart but the soul of a solid state (did I really just write that?). Tight bass, fast transients, and liquid like mids and highs without the dark signature of tubes.

If it means anything to you, TAS, Ultimate, Listener, and Stereophile all have voted for the Herron.

Good luck. (It's about $2,000 used)

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.

With all due respect, I don't see what a plug for Spectral has to do with an inquiry about Pass Labs?

Cheers!

Quin

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

Hi Ken,

Nonetheless, he started the thread inquiring about the Pass Labs X1. "Does Anyone Own the Pass Labs X1 preamp?"

Since you apparently do not, then plugging Spectral(twice) seems quite deviant from the initial inquiry. :-)

Having some experience with Pass Labs products, I would politely suggest that the X1, utilizing the Supersymmetric gain topology that Pass uses in their X power amps, offers a dynamic, transparent, and musical presentation. It has plenty of gain (sometimes too much for sensitive speakers), excellent instrument placement in the soundstage, and a lively characteristic that is quite faithful to the source information presented to it. Combining the Pass with the Krell would enhance the bottom end slam that K is known for, allowing also for excellent control of the lower registers. Plus, the X1 is airy enough and somewhat less analytical than the Krell preamps, so it might ease the Krell as would a tube without compromising dynamics, and certainly without any of the maintenance issues.
The Supersymmetric circuit topology that Pass uses effectively reduces noise and distortion by an order of magnitude compared to other such gain circuits. This allows for very fast transients and explosive peaks.

Cheers!

Quin