Hello,
I thought Id throw in my .02 about my experiences with my Pass Labs X-1. I bought a refurbished (and spotless, a 9+ here at Audiogon) X-1 from Reno HiFi and could not be happier. It truly was (and still is) goose bump moments when Im listening. My soundstage has exploded. The music is coming from behind my speakers, to the left, to the right, and in front of. I guess thats what they mean when they say your speakers disappear. There is more space between the instruments. I can't honestly tell if it is "coloring" the sound at all. If it is, I sure can't pinpoint the effect.
My previous preamps were a Belles 21A and a Creek 5350R. The Belles was quite nice, but the Pass is definitely a big step up. The Belles did have a more tubey sound.(If I discuss why I didnt like that tubey sound, a posting war will probably follow, ha!)
Im sure my X-1 will be in my system for a long time and Ill upgrade the other components once or even twice before I even consider upgrading the X-1.
CDP: MF A5
Amp: MF a308cr
Speakers: Spendor 9
All interconnects & cables: Analysis Plus Oval 9