Over the last decade, CH Precision has stealthily assumed that Most Coveted mantle, becoming a popular object of audiophile lust. In part that stems from the universally glowing reviews CH Precision has received from the industry’s leading pundits. But it’s more to do with the fact that CH Precision’s electronics have found new ways to make recorded music sound more musical and more real – and to do in more systems and situations. The L1/X1/M1.1 combination has been a real revelation, improving musical reproduction beyond what I thought possible in my space. It has driven home just how much untapped potential remains in my speakers and my music collection – and how important system set up is to realizing that potential. The better the equipment, the better the system, the harder you are going to have to work to even approach what it’s capable of – and the CH electronics are very, very good indeed.
It’s chastening to remember that in many ways, this amplifier combination is still near the bottom of the CH range. I have listened to the same equipment, not to mention CH Precision’s Ten Series kit, so often and in many other settings. The fact that I was still so impressed once I got these amps home underlines just how naturally adaptable they are to different system and circumstances, how readily they respond to proper setup. We all dream of a dedicated, purpose built listening room. Even those who have one want a bigger or better one. Instead, perhaps we should concentrate on getting more out of the right system in the room we have. Spending time with my system and the CH Precision L1/X1/M1.1 – that really is the stuff of dreams!
