Pass X-0 or XP-10

[gerzom]

Hi, after living with my x2.5 for a month, I feel the need for an upgrade.
I came across an X-0 (not sure how old) and an XP-10.

Which of these 2 would be the best bet for my set-up and why?

Thanks for the feedback!

[watercourse]

In my view, it may come down to whether you want a warmer, more relaxed sound of the X series preamps, or a higher resolution, snappier, but leaner sound which I found in the XP10.

Here's my take on the signatures of the X1 and XP10, in direct comparison: http://www.audioaficionado.org/pass-...tml#post600768

A brief comparison by Anthony Cordesman of the X1 to the X0 is available here (I haven't heard the X0, but they are sonically very close according to Cordesman): http://www.masteringmansion.com/comm...eviewd_247.pdf

Since my post above, I have moved to the INT-30A, which I love. It is sonically closer to the XP10 than the X1, but I feel has a more organic result in my system than the separates, possibly due to the extra cabling, etc I had, but retaining the transparency, low noise, and ergonomics that are the hallmark of the XP10. It may also be that I am not really a detail hound, which can easily become too much of a good thing for me - the INT trades a bit of detail and holographic imaging for a bit more bass bloom and warmth.

Although the XP10's resolution and imaging were especially superb, actually the best I've heard out of my system, it came at the expense of the type of relaxed musicality I prefer. The soundstage was less enveloping than the X1 as well, likely due to less voluminous bass. But its dynamics, snap, and holographic imaging are still memorable.

The X1's volume control is noisier than the current line's and has larger steps, which makes it less flexible with volume setting, if ergonomics matter to you. The X1 has less apparent detail because of the higher noise floor, but it is still highly resolving, dynamic and musical. The X0 has more volume steps, lower noise, and independent channels and PSUs which should improve dynamics and detail retrieval.

I felt the INT-30A struck a happy medium between the X1 and XP10 in terms of musicality, noise floor, resolution and speed. I do miss the bass volume I had with the X1, however. Maybe the X0 will also lean slightly in the direction of increased resolution but retain the bass that I miss.

[gerzom]

Thanks, very insightfull.
As I'm looking a more warm sound, I'll start with listing to the X0.