MBL vs Pass Labs

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I have a local to me MBL 5011 Preamp with phono stage that I can pick up for a decent price. Looking for thoughts on it versus the Pass X1 that has been in my rig for a while now. I know I need to get ears on it, but wondering if you guys may have some thoughts.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8e212-mbl-5011-solid-state
The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

Comments

  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,100
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    I sent a request to the seller to ask if it could be auditioned in my rig prior to sale. I know that is asking a lot but I don't think I could move on from the Pass unless I was truly blown away by something else.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,520
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    I would not discount mbl. They make fine products
    Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound