What do you think of the DA30 versus DA60 assuming 30 watts is more than sufficient to drive a speaker? |
The VAC Phi Beta would be my choice if I wanted an integrated amplifier. Then an Art Audio Carrissa, with the right speaker. |
I agree there is no best, but there is good and better, and not so good. So yes, there is no best, but there is a group that should be auditioned and the VAC is one of them, as is the Jadis integrated. Of course the speakers you are using will have a lot to do with how well any of these integrated will perform. Perrew, what speaker are you looking to drive? |
Based on your speakers, and my prior experience with Pass equipment, and the type of sound you are looking for, I think there new Pass integrated would proabably very worthwhile auditioning. |
I think the Pass is basically their X-150 amp with a passive pre, I don't think there should be any complexity or compromise that might occur when building a pre into an amps chassis. Pass certainly knows how to build amps, adding as passive attentuator (perfectly matched to the amp portion) should make for a great integrated, assuming you like the sound of a Pass amp, I do. I've not heard the integrated, but I would be shocked if it was a mighty good one. Not bad looking either IMHO. |
No. I think that is their first and only. |
The Absolute Sound review of the Pass INT-150 is in the September issue.
They said the front on view is "As imposing as a Peterbilt"
Neil Gader said "it's sweet and romantic, neutral and warm". Robert Harley in a side bar to the main review, "There must be a strong family resemblance between the INT-150 and the XA-100.5.
Neil went on to say "It's a musical force of nature."
You have to take reviews with a grain of salt, but as a former Pass Alep 1.2, 3, J, and XA-30.5 owner, I can tell you that Pass SS is very special and the only SS (well, maybe Ayre)that appeals to me, though I still prefer tubes. |
Fafafion, do you need an integrated circuit when you simply add a passive attenuator? I'm not techincal, but I don't see why there any difficulty with this. Now you may or may not like a passive (many do) and prefer an active gain stage, buffering,and power regulation as it relates to the preamp section, but that is another, more difficult design challenge - no? |
I though the problem with DAC "preamps" was the poor quality of the attenuator, as opposed to let's say a Goldpoint Attenuator being used in an Art Audio Carrissa, or a Placette RVC used in a Moscode 400, for example. Good attenuators are not cheap, but if you use a good one, and you are ok with passives, I'm not sure why "integrating" one in an amp would be a challenge to a Nelson Pass or other good amp designers; of course, some like what a tube buffer and tubes in the "pre" can do to the overall pre/amp circuit. It does seem that the use of a passive pre built into an integrated chassis is becoming a very coming design approach, even in some very expensive gear. |
Thegoldenear, you take a Primare over an Accuphase e550? Or are you saying you just like the Primare for $$$. |
Ah! Well that settles it. |
All Jadis Os are 40 watt/ch - no? |
There may not be the best period, but I would rest assured on the McIntosh resale value. |
That would be delightful if we could arrange it. |
David12, I definetly agree with you about SS and Class A, that has been my experience too, but I do wonder about some of those Luxman A/B amps that are highly regarded, I do wonder if they somehow have managed to transcend the limitations of A/B power in a SS amp - that would be nice, just don't know if they would really do the trick - but might be worth a listen - but where? |
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You don't even have to listen music to decide what amp sounds best, makes life much easier. |
