pass labs x0.2 "pro's and cons's"

take a pass on the pass--sterilty without humility.

there is a solid state signature, despite its "alleged" neutrality.

Well, isn't it time you got back to the French Open Mrtennis? I think Dr. Zeliger has made up his mind and therefore it doesn't make sense to dissuade him at this point. No pre-amp is ever neutral- don't turn this into a SS vs Tubes debate. Since he is keeping both units, he has the best of both worlds.

Heard it at the dealer some years ago. It is dead quiet as Overhang points out but it is fairly neutral, so don't expect it to create any kind of "harmonic richness." If it is not in the recording, it is not going to show. It is the ideal pre-amp for those who simply let the music speak for itself. If you want harmonic richness, go for a tube pre-amp. Lots of dynamics- you hear everything in the recording but it never sounds dull or clinical. No listening fatigue of any kind. I have the X2.5 and it has similar characteristics- the 0.2 is a lot smoother, quiet, and detailed. Also, the build quality (solid lab grade looks)is exemplary. If you can secure a good deal, go for it. This is a world class reference pre-amp.

Overhang,

"Beware" sounds like some kind of ominous warning! It would be rather strange if it doesn't match with the X250.5. Generally speaking, Pass Pre-amps matches very well with their amps. I have heard the X1 with the X350.5 paired up with Gershman and also Avalon speakers and the sound was very good. I have also heard the 0.2 and Pass amps at various hi-fi shows and there is nothing to indicate that they would not match well- even with the newer .5 series. The Hovland pre and Pass amp combo had an edge in richness but the X1 combo had more dynamics- hear more of the music. To each his own I guess.