I’ve just renewed my password for Audiogon as some of the other sites don’t offer much advice.
I have SW1X DAC 3 Special, LPU2 Special Phono pre and SW1X pre 3 special.
it’s taken me some time to get everything singing but I can now say every one of these products is exceptional. They aren’t just good in their price bracket but can compete at any level. Well I haven’t heard 100k products but you won’t be left wanting with sw1x I assure you.
such is my love for this gear that I’m now thinking about moving on from Naim in my system. This is a big step for me as in 15 years in this hobby I’ve always returned to Naim.
what I love about Naim is the edge of seat thrilling sound. I accept that older Naim gear had high noise floor but was always fun to listen to. I’m now on the Naim 500 series with upgraded power cables and interconnects. SW1X pre makes the 552DR sound flat and less exciting. It’s difficult to put my finger on it because regardless of the criticism the 552DR gets I have always considered it to be an exceptional pre. I’ve heard Vitus, Boulder, Audio Note,and many many other amps that did not entertain me as much. However the SW1x sounds faster, has that inkky background (when the Russian tubes aren’t being a problem lol). It has powerful bass and a sweet and extended treble. I know tube amps aren’t known for bass power but believe me this gear has it. Overall it’s a thrilling listen. The sound has that reach out and touch quality about it. It just holds my attention even more so than the 552DR. Bear in mind this is the line tube pre plugged directly into the NAP 500DR amplifier. You must have a listen to sw1x gear or better still get a home demo.
Ps. if there is anybody out there using SW1x power amps with 86db, 6/8 ohm speakers please can you offer your advice as if I can get the same bass punch from the tube power amps as I’m getting with source a line stage, then my sources and amplification will all be SW1x gear.