I began with the Simaudio W8 amp and P-8 preamp (reviewed in this issue) driving the X2s. The source component was the Simaudio Andromeda CD player and all wiring was done with JPS Labs Aluminata cables (both reviewed in this issue). This system combination sounded great. The amp drove the X2s admirably in the high frequency range, smoothly in the midrange and quickly and resolutely in the bass department. Though the highs were completed right up to the speakers specified limit of 20kHz, I thought that the energy level was slightly less in the upper and lower midrange. Nonetheless, the X2s tonal balance didn't seem to be disarranged, rather it sounded just short of perfect. I considered the entire midrange area, from about 160Hz all the way to 5kHz, to be among the most pleasant sounding I have heard, effortless, sweet, resolute and utterly musical. Male and female vocals inhabit this region and the X2/Simaudio combination rendered these flawlessly. Bass, though quick and resolute down to about 30Hz, didn't quite reach deep enough to please me entirely (I'm difficult to please).

Changing the power amp to the Bryston 28B-SST monoblocks (reviewed in this issue) with the P-8 preamp and Andromeda CD player still in the system, the overall sound didn't change dramatically, but there were a few subtle improvements, beginning with the high frequency area. These 1000 w/ch monoblocks introduced a kinetic vigour to the highs, allowing them to reach a natural and proper conclusion. The upper midrange segment sounded very much the same as with the Simaudio amp, while the lower midrange contained richer harmonics. Most impressive however, was the bass. It now reached into the pedal-note regions, sounding warm enough to render melodious upper harmonics above the bass fundamentals and adequately resolute to about 28Hz.

For another test, I used the powerful and very musical sounding Musical Fidelity KW500 integrated amplifier (reviewed in Vol. 17, No. 2). This 510 w/ch amp features a tube output stage and a MOSFET power section. The speakers liked this amplifier and responded to it with remarkable musical vitality. Highs, midrange and bass were effortlessly transferred into the listening room and, though not strictly precise, the sound was sincere and real. Bass resolution was very good, though a little less honed than with the Bryston amps and midrange was smooth, effortless and revealing. This amp did the best job in the high frequency area which was smooth, sweet and well extended into the dog-whistle range.

All the amps used for this evaluation revealed the X2's imaging proficiency, another outstanding trait, likely because the business end of the loudspeaker (the small top enclosure) is separated from the sub.