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Need immediate help

To those who responded to my earlier thread asking for 2k linestage recommendations, I had already sold the c-j when I posted. I have taken the (gulp) SS plunge and got a Pass Labs X-1. Question for Pass gurus: must I run balanced; do any of you run single-ended? If I do run single-ended, what would I give up? (I have tried getting info from their website but it is vague).
Secondly, do any of you use amps other than Pass, and which mate well with X-1, or other Pass linestage/pre; I'm looking for something high current, at 150/watt/side. The reviews I've read of the Pass X150 hint that it may be a bit "lean" in the midrange?
Thanks for the info, in advance. Happy Holidays!
128x128jayme
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
If the unit has a true-balanced in/outputs along with single-ended use Balanced.

Definition:
True-balanced outputs have their signal wire split to two for positive and negative component of the signal.
platsolos
90 posts
 
I have the X150 amp and thought that it may be somewhat lean in the midrange, until I changed my digital, and cables. Now, I almost think it is too rich in the midrange, but who knows. Bottom line...the amp is a chameleon and will take on the signature of your surrounding components and highlight its weaknesses. It is amazingly fast, neutral, transparent, detailed, and utterly smooth. If your system is lean, I would look elsewhere first.

For synergy, I am guessing a Pass amp is best for your X1, and run it in balanced mode. I too have done alot of research on what type of preamp to get and when I do, I will get a Pass X2.5 or if I have the cash an X1 to match my X150.
jayme's avatar
jayme OP
52 posts
 
Thanks for the info everyone; and, by the way,Platsolos, there are a lot of X-1s coming up for sale; be careful and make sure you're getting what you think you're paying for: the newest ones have matching silver boxes (the older units have silver primary and black power box).
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