I just demo'd the new L1 pre with X1 power supply and it is killer with the C1. If you think you're happy using the C1 as a pre, just listen to the L1 with it. I thought it would be an improvement going in but did not expect what I heard. The grip and power tempered with finesse is shocking. So much musical information but portrayed so organically! It takes the CH sound to an entirely new level. Only heard it with X1 though....
Howie, I think you'd be amazed to hear the L1 with C1 together. I was using the C1 with it's variable output but now that I heard the L1, it's no contest. I did try using the C1 with various high quality tubed and SS pre's but felt that they were introducing artifacts into the system that I did not like. The L1 seems to preserve everything great about the C1 but opens it all up with incredible presence and power. I noticed so much more layering of musical information as well.
Thanks Allen.
L1 arrived this week and has been in the system several days. Enough to get a sense of what it brings to the table. I knew it would be good synergy with the C1 on digital playback but wasn't sure how it would do on the analog side of things. Well it is beyond my highest expectations. I have been totally immersed.
Improved spatial realism, better bass def and speed. The system keeps up with the full band tempo of Art Pepper +11 take of Dizzy's "Shawnuff".
Vinyl playback is super quiet. Nice to be able to adjust gain on each input.
Had a few questions related to setup and adjusting settings and Loris at CH and Gideon at Audioarts have both provided top drawer assistance to help me optimize the setup.
Supposed to keep things warming up for a week or so to settle in the fresh electronics but i'm pretty stoked as it is. Fun!