pass labs x0.2 "pro's and cons's"

thanks for the replies. i have a great deal on one and i am going to buy it . it will work well with my pass momos.

It did not match with my Pass 250,5.Beware.

Overhang,

"Beware" sounds like some kind of ominous warning! It would be rather strange if it doesn't match with the X250.5. Generally speaking, Pass Pre-amps matches very well with their amps. I have heard the X1 with the X350.5 paired up with Gershman and also Avalon speakers and the sound was very good. I have also heard the 0.2 and Pass amps at various hi-fi shows and there is nothing to indicate that they would not match well- even with the newer .5 series. The Hovland pre and Pass amp combo had an edge in richness but the X1 combo had more dynamics- hear more of the music. To each his own I guess.

i have one coming tomorrow. i will hook it up and compare it to my bat vk51se. the bat is broken in and the x0.2 will need some time, but it will make for an interesting comparison.

i think i will keep both preamps for now, use them in rotation and see which i truly like better over the next 6-9 months.

i will note i have had the bat vk51se for 3 yrs. and i matches very well so far with my 600.5 monos and wilson watt puppy 7's.

i will keep all informed.

dr. keith zeliger

Keith, I have the X1 and agree with Zenaissance. I do not find it uninvolving at all. It is, however, not something that will "add" any of its own character to the sound, which is the way I like it. If you're looking for a "sound" you won't find it here. But if you are looking for a dead quiet preamp that will let all of your source information shine through unencumbered then the x0.2 (or X1 !) might be the right choice. In my case I have it matched with an AVA FetValve amp and the sound is pure heaven!