Not even a close call. The X-1 walks all over the MF preamp, really. I owned the X-1 for some time and borrowed the MF from a buddy and the Pass was way better, no contest, honest otherwise I would have bought the MF from my buddy cheap and put the extra money in the bank from the X-1. For the comparision I used the Pass X-250 amp, Kinergetics KBA-75, Graaf 5050 tube amp, and Carver Signature series II.
The Pass is more dynamic, much better bass definition and much deeper (some of the best bass from a SS preamp I have heard for the price), better separation of instruments, smoother highs and more extended, mid range was different and varried from CD to CD but overall I preferrred the Pass because it better layered the soundstage, wider and deeper soundstage.
Happy Listening.
The Pass is more dynamic, much better bass definition and much deeper (some of the best bass from a SS preamp I have heard for the price), better separation of instruments, smoother highs and more extended, mid range was different and varried from CD to CD but overall I preferrred the Pass because it better layered the soundstage, wider and deeper soundstage.
Happy Listening.