What is the rationalization for your statement that the ML380 is a better choice than the X1 simply because the X1 is designed to work with the X-series amps? What is it about the design of the X1 makes it less suited for non-Pass amps? What about the design of the ML-380 makes it more flexible in terms of compatibility with other amps? I imagine that the design team at ML designed the ML-380 to work best with ML amps. To do otherwise would be nuts. The X-1 is an exceptional preamp that should not be IMHO dismissed so lightly. While I personally have not listened to the X-1 with anything other than Pass amps, I have listened to its big brother, the X0 (which I own), with BAT gear. It proved to be a very synergistic match. The best advice I can give Ignatz is to listen to both preamps in his system and go with the one that sounds best to him.
Pass Labs or Mark Levinson?
I am looking for a new SS preamp to replace my Classe' CP-60. I am currently interested in the Pass Labs X1 and Mark Levinson 380.The preamp will live between an Arcam FMJ-CD23 and Classe CAM-350s. Any experiences, advice or general comments you would like to share regarding theses preamps?