Wyred 4 Sound STP Special Edition Vs. Pass X-1

The Pass X1 is as good as what you put into it. It is one of the best SS pres under $10 grand IMHO. The Pass definitely does not add anything to the music. It is very neutral and quiet. I have not heard the Wyred4sound. The Pass X1 was made for many years and did win many awards. last I looked it was still being used by Nelson Pass at the shows with the First Watt amps. Also, not too long ago I was going to trade in my X1 and the dealer said he would give me what I paid for it, no questions asked. It got me thinkin if you know what I mean.

I love tubes, but I can't find any quiet enough for me in a preamp. Tubes do have their virtues and I can see why many like them in the preamps. I would never say they were a bad thing.

I decided not to sell it. At first, I missed the bloom from the C220. After a couple of days, there was no turning back. I really like the X1. To me it is much more resolving than any tube preamps I have owned. I like the tubes better in the amp. After the X1 warmed up I was really happy and do not plan to sell anytime soon. The first day I posted it, a guy wanted it right away and offered me what I was asking. A dealer told me he would also give me what I paid for it, no questions. It got me thinking and now I know why.

I missed the bloom with my C220 but I can hear so much more of the music with the X1. Don't get me wrong, I love tubes, I just always got too much noise with them in the preamp. I could never find tubes quiet enough with no glare. I do love the sound they make though, I have that in the amp which is nice

My next choice for a preamp would be the First Sound which is a tube preamp totally built by the hand of the owner. From what I have heard, no preamp can touch that one below 10 grand. For now, the X-1 will do just fine. It is not slow to my ears.

I have heard that the Levinson no. 32s is a great preamp, also very expensive even when one can find one. I am not in that league financially. I have not heard the Wyred for Sound but I am sure it is fantastic if it is better than the X1. I agree with your finding the X1's sound smooth.

I have also heard that the First Sound is better than the 32s. I have not seen the 32s under $10,000.00. I usually see it for more than that. That is a lot to pay for very old used preamp. Even if they do release it again, I doubt it will be exactly like the original. I would imagine it would be pretty expensive as well.

I agree that the older S series Levinson pres are great, if you can find them anywhere. I could probably wait a year for a used 26s.