2. amps-preamps
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Pass X1 / X250 - how to get a bit foregivable ???


Hi, my system is

Pass X1/X250
Lindemann D680 SACD/CD
Jean-Marie Reynaud Offrande speakers
HMS Sestetto balanced signal-cables
HMS AC-cables
HMS Fortissimo Bi-Wire speaker-cables

Who has experienced "successful" system-
cabling to reduce the brutal honesty of Pass X1/X250
(or similar) amps in combination with highly resolving
speakers and high esolution source ?

Bad recordings are sometimes just very hard to take
and stress my ears. Also the overall sound of my system
tends just a little bit too lean and organic weight is
missing.

I did not try out different cabling yet, so any experiences are appreciated.

I tried out replacing (a) X1 by E.A.R. 864 tube pre,
(b) X250 by Manley Labs Snapper or (c) both, but the
lack in soundstage and resolution compared to the Pass
amps was so much degrading (sorry) the purity of the
original recording by adding content that was just not
part of the recording, that this was no acceptable
solution either, at least IMO.

Please, any hints/ideas are very appreciated.

Regards
rocou

Showing 3 responses by simon74

simon74
216 posts
 
I use a Supratek Syrah with my X-250.
This combo works well for me and gives a nice
blend of s.s. & tubes.
As Stehno says sorting the mains supply
and power cords is crucial.
I find the e.a.r. stuff a bit lean and
the Syrah is not exactly a 'cuddly' valve sound.
I found the snappers - a new pair right enough, less
than refined with a solid state pre-amp.
Only my thoughts but I never new how good the Pass
was till I paired it with the Supratek.
My speakers are AP Virgos which are not thought
of as the 'overly warm soundin..g
Very few things sound unbearable and most sound sublime
but I do tend to favour vinyl.
HT Cyberlinks ended the constant i/c upgrade saga once and for all and treating my room stopped me striving for stuff that I just can't afford - at least for now??
simon74
216 posts
 
Just an afterthought, I used HMS Gran Finale speakers cables for years and still think they are fabulous cables but - the Pass did not seem to gel with them.
Regretfully sold them and now use Harmonic tech Pro 9+
which I'm very happy with.
Strange as my last amp of similar power to the Pass (Nu -Vista integrated)gave astounding results with the Grand Finales.
Never did get along with the matching i/c's - the network boxes or whatever had me switching between the 10 settings like a paranoid loon and they never seemed to give neutral or natural results which was a major anti-climax after the
magic their speaker cables brought to the equation.
simon74
216 posts
 
Hi Rocou,

I can't see switching to the .5 as a value for money upgrade.
If things sound unforgiving, I can't see another power amp changing much.
imo Nordost cables are about the most 'unforgiving' I've ever heard.
I find the Pass susceptible to changes of speaker cable,
copper and the more of it the better.

I've found treating connectors with Mapleshade Silclear, Walker SST or the like, to remove a whole layer of grain
from most systems.

Rgds Simon
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