MF X-T100, x-ray v8

unc2701

Picked this demo up from Underwood Hi-Fi for less than half MSRP, perfect condition, full warranty.


Early impressions:
Versus the MF CD pre and Bryston 4b SST, it definitely does not have the same slam to the bass. It also doesn't go to 11... however, I feel like it's got a more detailed midrange and possibly better imaging- especially at lower volumes. The weird thing that I can't explain is that my room null seems to be bigger with the X-T100; this could just be lack of bass control, but the dead spot was about two feet bigger in each direction from its usual.

Will post more as I try out more speakers & configurations (also will try out the x-ray on my main system vs the cd player in the MF CD pre).

And now, the ****:

BaggedLancer

Whoa, that thing has a big shiny knob!


Nice gear, good luck with it.

zingo

Nice snag! I would be interested to hear your review again after different speaker combos. And if you ever feel that it is not your thing anymore, I'm sure you could get what you paid for it here.

steveinaz

One day I'll get my mitts on a X-Ray CDP!

unc2701

OK, put them on the LSi9's (first impressions were on the Gallo Ref 3's). This little guy totally rose to the occasion. The krell integrated has much more kick in the low end (but 300 watts vs 80, what do you expect?), however, the X-t100 far exceeded my expectations. I figured it'd do OK at low volumes, then crap out as I turned up the knob, but it actually tightened up and sounded better the louder I took it.

My next experiment is going to be using it as a pre; the power stage might be the limiting factor & I want to see how it does pushing the bryston.

The Xray sounds the exact same as the CD-pre through the digital input... the jury is still out on it through the analogs. I feel like it's a little different, but I need some more listening.

venomclan

I think the Gallos need the extra grunt on the bottom end. I demoed my Gallos using an MF 2 channel pre, cd player and a Parasound Halo (A23) I think. Great synergy. The MF used as a pre may help round out your Bryston.
Venom

unc2701

Venom, have you still not gotten the SA???

Anyhow, I played with pulling the crossover on the SA up a little bit to get that low end grunt, but it wasn't quite what I was looking for. I'm looking forward to seeing what the tubed pre in the MF does w/ the bryston.

venomclan

unc2701 wrote: »

Venom, have you still not gotten the SA???

Nope, I am in the process of building an ht/2 channel room in my garage. It will be smaller than what I have now, but I think better acoustically. I will see how it turns out then make a move.
V

reeltrouble1

Thanks Unc I have been wanting to hear a review from someone who owns these pieces, I am considering another rig for workout/garage type stuff and thought maybe this with the MF tube buffer and a pair of LSi-7 would be something nice.

RT1

unc2701

Skip the tube buffer- It's got a 6922 tube stage for the pre.

Now, you might want to take a look at the x-150... that's the last gen & it's got the same power supply as the bigger A3.5, but in the x series form factor (and no outboard power supply). It's got more wattage, but it's entirely SS.

reeltrouble1

OK, that must of been the rig I was thinking of, I read a review and it was all solid state. Although I am a fan of outboard power supplies.

RT1

unc2701

This one is built like a tank. The power supply might weigh more than the integrated part. Not sure how I feel about the CD player & integrated both pulling off of it, though. You really can't separate them... but I suspect about 99% of the unit the sell are going to be full set.