2. amps-preamps
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Pass Labs users. Next upgrade?

I just upgraded my Amp from a X-150 to an X-350 and love the increased dynamics in my large room. I find them to be similar sounding amps. More fineness, control and dynamics w/ the X-350. My Top end, depending on the recording, can be harsh and fatuging at high listening levels still,(not as bad). Next move, Should I replace my Adcom GFP-750 Pre, the preamp people love to hate (I can only compare it to a Placette Line stage, similar results in my system). I think the Adcom is fine in passive mode and a waste of time in active mode.
Should I spend my dough on a 2.5 or X-1 preamp or go to the X-350.5 Amp upgrade for the most bang for the buck?
Trl Modified Sony SACD-2000 ES , Sansui Tu-717 Tuner
Speakers: Audio Physic Virgo II's and Two Rel Storm III Subs,"a tasty combo"
Greg
gandme
gandme OP
212 posts
 
9rw, Are you talking tube or solid state when recommending Audio Research? There are so many A.R. pre's on the used market. What have you used w/ your X-350? If you are not familiar with my Audio Physic Virgo's they have a similar sound to Magnapan and other Electostatics...(but are not). They just tend to get a little sharp in the highs.
I'm really surprised the Adcom does't match up better with the Pass Amps. I had the X-150 first, with the same results. I believe Wayne Colburn of Pass designed the Adcom 750 and is just a less complicated design than the Pass Aleph P.
9rw's avatar
9rw
318 posts
 
Gandme: I used a Pass X1 and ARC LS25 with my X350. Both were good, but the X1 was better -- in my opinion. It had better dynamics and better extension (highs and lows). As for ARC preamps, I was mainly referring to the tube preamps, but the old LS3 was a nice preamp, too.
gandme OP
212 posts
 
Thank you all for your help! I've narrowed my choices to an X-1 or X-0.2 (possible trouble in paradise W/ the 0.2 price). It probably makes sense to stay with Pass products for the synergy. The next logical upgrade would be the X-350.5. The X-350 is the best Amp I've had in my system...so I don't know why I'm even discussing replacing it! (as my wife likes to point out,"It's never going to stop, is it!"). I wish I could A/B this stuff in my living room with several other pairs of ears and a glass of Red!
Cheers to all, Greg
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
Greg,I believe we are married to the same woman!!Also,while I too like a good(cheap)red,my audio "could care less" wife prefers a nice Liebfraumilch,or sweet Reisling.
BTW,I have recently heard the ASR Emitter amp on the big Nola system.Fine sound,but in all honesty,when I was auditioning it,I kept thinking how close the new Pass 350.5 sounded compared to the German amp(I own neither,yet can appreciate a good product,which they both are).A good deal less money,as well.Think of how much fine wine could be consumed,with the difference.Which would equate to NO audible difference,once one was imbibed -:)

Best!
gandme OP
212 posts
 
sirspeedy, Let's face it, the main factors to system synergy are in different order for everyone.
Spouse,Room response,Quaility of equip, recording quailty and amount we have or have not imbibed!
By the way I had a truely great Zinfandel from Black Sheep Winery, 2000 Clockspring Vineyard, in Amador County Ca. It would bring anyone's system up a notch!
Cheers, Greg
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