2. amps-preamps
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sonic frontiers line-3 vs pass labs x-1

I just replaced my fpb-200 with a Pass X-350(my god what an improvement). I currently have it mated to a line-3 with amperex 7308's in the output and Dunlavy 4a's. Source is a EMC-1 mk2. I was intrested to know if anyone has had experience with both of these preamps in a similiar system. I would like to hear the x-1 but dont know if its worth going to the trouble of selling the line-3.Thanks.
cmpromo
bigkidz
3,388 posts
 
Two completely differentsounds. The X-1 is very neutral and dynamic but not really a warm sounding preamp. The SF has the tube qualities but will loose a little bass slam compared to the Pass IMHO.
sayas
193 posts
 
I owned a Line 3 before the Aleph P and the SF had tremendous authority, including slam! The Aleph P is kind of tuby and not etched and dry like some systems I have heard.
I simplified my system otherwise Line 3 might still be in play as it was considered the finest pre I had heard and easily rivals my P. The features on the Line 3 are excellent and I do miss the remote and mono features from time to time...

Enjoy the music...
semi
649 posts
 
Line 3 are great (I have the SE), but it's not a good match with Pass which I also used to own. Pass is sensitive to the pre amp it is connected to, my experience with Line 3 SE with X-350 was less than stellar. A friend brought his X-1 over and it transformed the sound completely - more body, more coherent, and more musical.

But Line 3 with many other amps will sing better than X-1 & X-350. So I sold the X-350.
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