2. amps-preamps
  3. 1136104024

PassX1 with black power supply vs Chassis supply

Has anyone had the pleasure of A-Bing the X1 preamp power supply little black box verses full chassis power supply. I'm after any sonic improvemenmts and the cosmetic factor is not an issue. Are these two power supplies very different? Does the full size power supply sound better enough to upgrade to it? These are questions I find myself asking. Do I sap power supplies for sonic improvment or is the difference small enough not to do this. Pass said it sounds better and I trust the people at pass but I was wondering if anyone has compared the two power supplies and what are the sonic differences? Apparently most people who have done this have done it for the cosmetics. I suppose the mass of the chassis of the power supply alone would improve the sound. Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks
128x128mitchb
bigkidz
1,784 posts
 
Did you ask Peter at Pass to send you one so that you could hear it for yourslef and ask him if he'd take it on a trade in for some extra $$$ is you like it?

Try him.

Happy Listening.
mitchb's avatar
mitchb OP
212 posts
 
Hi Bigkidz, I'll ask but I cannot see Pass sending an amp or preamp for trial accross Canadian customs.
nutella
192 posts
 
Just passing on what the dealer told me.
slowrey
5 posts
 
I purchased the 'hybrid" X1 with the smaller ps box. I could hear no difference between the two designs when I auditioned. According to Pass the supply is the same internally and the difference is only cosmetic. I actually prefer the smaller box unit. It allows me greater flexibility in placement- well away from sensitive components. I may be wrong here but it seems that 15 years ago most separate power supplies were designed with long umbilicals to keep them ( and their magnetic field) away from the preamp circuits and other components. Now days itÂ’s in vogue is to show off the supply in it's expensive milled case. Perhaps power supplies and internal shielding have developed so this is not as important?
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