2. amps-preamps
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Pass X1 / X250 - how to get a bit foregivable ???


Hi, my system is

Pass X1/X250
Lindemann D680 SACD/CD
Jean-Marie Reynaud Offrande speakers
HMS Sestetto balanced signal-cables
HMS AC-cables
HMS Fortissimo Bi-Wire speaker-cables

Who has experienced "successful" system-
cabling to reduce the brutal honesty of Pass X1/X250
(or similar) amps in combination with highly resolving
speakers and high esolution source ?

Bad recordings are sometimes just very hard to take
and stress my ears. Also the overall sound of my system
tends just a little bit too lean and organic weight is
missing.

I did not try out different cabling yet, so any experiences are appreciated.

I tried out replacing (a) X1 by E.A.R. 864 tube pre,
(b) X250 by Manley Labs Snapper or (c) both, but the
lack in soundstage and resolution compared to the Pass
amps was so much degrading (sorry) the purity of the
original recording by adding content that was just not
part of the recording, that this was no acceptable
solution either, at least IMO.

Please, any hints/ideas are very appreciated.

Regards
rocou
simon74
216 posts
 
Just an afterthought, I used HMS Gran Finale speakers cables for years and still think they are fabulous cables but - the Pass did not seem to gel with them.
Regretfully sold them and now use Harmonic tech Pro 9+
which I'm very happy with.
Strange as my last amp of similar power to the Pass (Nu -Vista integrated)gave astounding results with the Grand Finales.
Never did get along with the matching i/c's - the network boxes or whatever had me switching between the 10 settings like a paranoid loon and they never seemed to give neutral or natural results which was a major anti-climax after the
magic their speaker cables brought to the equation.
yr44
57 posts
 
How about the room itself? Is your room acoustically 'glaring' and 'reflective'? Maybe experimenting with room treatment first?
undertow
1,033 posts
 
Tube preamp, simplest attempt period, borrow something to audition local and go from there, if its not gonna help then at least you know. Cary, VTL, Thor probably good choice, or even the Mcintosh should be fairly organic and less intrusive sound to add to the mix. good luck
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,509 posts
 
I think you should upgrade to the .5 version. I own the 350.5. Best Amp I have heard.
There is not a hint of harshness, very mellow sound,almost tubelike.
goatwuss
877 posts
 
So , summing up,

upgrade your:

amp
preamp
power conditioning
power cords
ics
speaker cables
and room.

Only then will you get the sound you are looking for!

Good luck!!!
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