Pass X1 / X250 - how to get a bit foregivable ???

Hi Rocou,

I can't see switching to the .5 as a value for money upgrade.
If things sound unforgiving, I can't see another power amp changing much.
imo Nordost cables are about the most 'unforgiving' I've ever heard.
I find the Pass susceptible to changes of speaker cable,
copper and the more of it the better.

I've found treating connectors with Mapleshade Silclear, Walker SST or the like, to remove a whole layer of grain
from most systems.

Rgds Simon

Hello Rocou,
I just bought the combo X2.5/X150.5 which is more or less comparable to your set-up. I've never listened to the X150 or X250 but, acc. to my dealer, the .5 is regarded as "warmer". OK, let's move on to the cabling : you should definitively go balanced with the ic and for both source/pre-amp and pre-amp/amp; rca is not ideal with Pass gear. Secondly, use your best ic between source and pre-amp; the ic between pre-amp and amp is less critical compared to the former. In my case, the former is Stealth Indra and for the pre-amp/amp NBS Omega I. Thirdly, watch out for the power : given Pass' transparency, the quality of power is paramount particularly if the rest of your gear is high-resolution. I have a dedicated AC with Furutech Rhodium plug on the wall for the poweramp which, in my view, is the best you can do. In addition, the dedicated line has an audiophile circuit breaker (copper). I suggest you don't hook the poweramp on a power conditioner. This would be fine for source and pre-amp. Finally, I also had a all Valhalla cabling system. Great low level dynamics, speed but rather thin in bass and perhaps edgy in the highs. NBS Omega line has done a much better job for me.
So, these are just a few thoughts you may consider in your quest for the perfect cabling.
cheers

in my experience, what makes it unlistenable is usually a source component. Not the pre-amp, not the amp. Try a different player. May be a tube cd player would be a good solution. Just a thought....