PassLabs x2.5 pre-amp.

[spook]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of getting one of the above to go with my dCS classic stack and gamma active speakers.

I currently have a Pass Aleph P preamp which is great but looking for a little more transparency and detail without being too clinical.

The options (in terms of Pass products), seem to be the X2.5 and the X1. The latter is more expensive and possibly slightly better but would it be worth the addition bunce?

Anyone compared the two? Or know of anyone selling? All comments welcome.

Many thanks.

Steve.

[spook]

Should read: Adam Tensor Gamma speakers.

[anubisgrau]

I had it for a short trial in my system - at that time I had ATC 20A (active). Didn't buy it. Wasn't bad, actually much better than Krell KVA 250p I got my speakers with, but still it wasn't at the level I wanted to achieve. It is enjoyable but actually too polite for my taste. The first serious step up was EAR 864 pre.

[spook]

I had it for a short trial in my system - at that time I had ATC 20A (active). Didn't buy it. Wasn't bad, actually much better than Krell KVA 250p I got my speakers with, but still it wasn't at the level I wanted to achieve. It is enjoyable but actually too polite for my taste. The first serious step up was EAR 864 pre.


That surprises me. Having tried several valve preamps over the years I've generally found them to be slightly lacking in detail, a little background noisy and erring toward the softer side of neutral. The airiness in the mid range is a big plus point but I'm currently looking for something as neutral as possible, (if there is such a thing).

[anubisgrau]

dunno, maybe my standards are a bit high. krell preamp had a resolution but not a tone, PL was more neutral but not overtly exciting, EAR not as colored as many valve amps. if it helps, i settled on passive (TVC/AVC) but it depends if it's suitable for your system. i had many of these (first audio, promitheus, slagle, DIY) - it can't get more neutral than that, it's just wire in the end.

[spook]

dunno, maybe my standards are a bit high. krell preamp had a resolution but not a tone, PL was more neutral but not overtly exciting, EAR not as colored as many valve amps. if it helps, i settled on passive (TVC/AVC) but it depends if it's suitable for your system. i had many of these (first audio, promitheus, slagle, DIY) - it can't get more neutral than that, it's just wire in the end.

Yes, I know what you mean re a pre being suitable (or suited), to a system. I used to use a passive with a quad power amp but it just sounded a bit lifeless, however an inexpensive active model quickly livened things up no end.

I am generally very happy with the Aleph P which goes very well with my high quality active speakers but I hear that the x series (generally 2.5 and above) are an improvement but with the same characteristics ie tone, presentation etc. Just wondered if any one had first hand experience of a comparison?

[Frazeur1]

I owned an X1, used it with a Pass X150 into Magnepans. A Wadia 302 was main source. I never did compare it to an Aleph P though, but did with an X2.5. Yes the X1 was “better” overall, but not by what the difference in cost between the two was in my opinion. Not much help really. I do love most of Pass designs, in my system above, I felt it all to be slightly bland however, just not enough “color”-shock, horror! Like most things, all depends on what a person favors or puts priority on sound wise.

[spook]

I owned an X1, used it with a Pass X150 into Magnepans. A Wadia 302 was main source. I never did compare it to an Aleph P though, but did with an X2.5. Yes the X1 was “better” overall, but not by what the difference in cost between the two was in my opinion. Not much help really. I do love most of Pass designs, in my system above, I felt it all to be slightly bland however, just not enough “color”-shock, horror! Like most things, all depends on what a person favors or puts priority on sound wise.

That's very interesting as I was also considering an X1, although they don't seem to come up often on the used market. Not cheap either!

What were the main perceivable differences between the X1 and the 2.5?

[anubisgrau]

I felt it all to be slightly bland however, just not enough “color”-shock, horror.

I guess this is what I desperately wanted to say :eek:

[Frazeur1]

Spook-The 2.5 was even more bland! Hah, kidding, really the X1 was a bit more detailed, maybe a bit more tone and body to it, but again, they are so very close at least to my own ears in that system.

I really like Pass gear, and I have a lot of respect for Nelson as a designer and person, but they just didn’t do it for me in my system context. I do think some of it was just the mix of components, Wadia being a very “matter of fact” type of presentation, and Maggie’s can have a bit of blandness as well. Just my own thoughts, and it has been about 12 or so years since....

[spook]

Thanks for the responses guys.
Has anyone compared a Pass preamp to a Bryston? Say the BP26?

[Lurch]

@Spook
Your not that far from me (Chichester) have you ever had a listen to the MasterSound PHL5? I have one and they are superb, but don't come up for sale very often. Your more than welcome to come and have a listen, bring your pre as well and do an A/B if you want.

[spook]

@Spook
Your not that far from me (Chichester) have you ever had a listen to the MasterSound PHL5? I have one and they are superb, but don't come up for sale very often. Your more than welcome to come and have a listen, bring your pre as well and do an A/B if you want.
Offer much appreciated Lurch but I run a pair of Adam active speakers which need a balanced output from the preamp. I don’t think the Mastersound has these?
Cheers,
Steve.

[Pharos]

What are your ADAMs Stephen? And, what do you think, and are you happy with them?

[spook]

Hi Russell,

I'm very happy indeed with them! I've been running them through my Pass Labs Aleph P and they sound superb. I'm thinking of getting another preamp just to see if I can get something a tad more neutral and revealing, (not that the Pass is poor in that respect). I'm considering an alternative Pass model, a Bryston BP26 or possibly an Ayre K1. I doubt any will make a huge difference but it would be good to get the best from the front end and the speakers.

How are you getting on with your new speakers? I can't imagine they are anything other than mightily impressive!

Hope you are keeping well mate.

Steve.