System edited: Took a shot swapped out the Pass X250.5 to match up the Einstein Tube preamp with its amplifier sibling, The Light In The Dark. Result: WOW. Imaging, soundstage, low-level detail, and black background, all improved, and I mean greatly improved. To be sure, I remain a big Pass fan and will keep the X250.5 for a second system. But the in-family synergy with the Einstein pieces is sublime. Also (before the amp switch) bit the bullet and went with Kimber Tri-Focal XL speaker cables to very nice results.