Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Pass Laboratories X1 Preamplifier (SS) by Penguin

Model:	X1
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$5500.
Description:	Nelson Pass' 'Supersymmetry' topology, RCA and XLR inputs/outputs, ext. power supply, remote.
Manufacturer URL:	Pass Laboratories
Manufacturer URL:	Pass Laboratories

Review by Penguin ( A ) on February 12, 2003 at 19:32:05
IP Address: 68.34.58.110

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for the X1

It is one day old so it may be too early to give a complete review, but in order for others to take advantage of the special Pass is running on these beasts I think it is justifiable. Oh yeah the special. I bought this one form AV Logic, in Des Moines IA for a buck shy of $3K (http://show.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/sh.pl?0&1&adlr&Audiologic&1&). Not bad for a box originally listed for $5500. The story is that these have the old style PSU and Pass is trying to get rid of them, although this one was built new. It is confusing since the new ones sell for $5900. So it beats the crap out of me why Pass is willing to give a $2500 discount, but he does it anyway.

The unit has five inputs 3 are SE and balanced 2 SE only, has one tape loop which uses one of the SE/balanced ins. The unit has SE and balanced out which can be used simultaneously. There is a knob on the front for volume and four buttons which control all other functions. The unit has a florescent display. Here comes the ergonomics. There are two mode buttons and two select buttons. The mode button flips through 10 functions and then the select buttons adjust them up and down. Kinda hard to get used to it, but it works. It makes me think at the worst possible times. The remote has the same arrangement, but the buttons are not labeled on the clunky square brushed aluminum box. For a $5500 preamp you would expect something more sophisticated. But once you turn the beast on and listen to it, it becomes a non issue.

The sound:

Remember this unit still has a few miles to go before it will sound its best, but it is already so good that anything better is just plain gravy. It is dead quiet. The volume control tracks flawlessly, It creates eerie wide imaging. The depth of stage is beyond my wildest dreams. By all means it is keeper; I wonder how much better the X 0.2 can be. I still need to hook it up with the Llano Phoenix. Due to lack of cables I am listening to it with the Meitners, which never sounded this good. So at this price do not walk to get one run, run, run trust me your ears will thank you.

Product Weakness: Ergonomics
Product Strengths: Transparency, total lack of coloration

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/1846.html
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/1846.html
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/1846.html
Speakers:	http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/1846.html
Cables/Interconnects:	http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/1846.html
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	all kinds but mostly calssical+jazz
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Ergonomics
Product Strengths:	Transparency, total lack of coloration