Amps for Sasha


Thinking of the Pass Lab X350.5 or X260.5 as they're about the same price. Heard the class A INT30 is also a good match. Any comments?
hifinuts

Showing 2 responses by cmalak

I doubt that the Pass Labs INT-30A will be able to drive the Sasha's bass to satisfying levels. The Sashas have a dip down to 1.8ohms around 80Hz. From John Atkinson's measurements section:

On the other hand, the Sasha's plot of impedance magnitude and electrical phase (fig.1) reveals the speaker to be a demanding load for the partnering amplifier to drive. Not only does the impedance drop below 4 ohms for most of the lower midrange and upper bass, with a minimum value of 2 ohms at 86Hz, but there is also an amplifier-unfriendly combination of 3 ohms and –43° phase angle at 61Hz.

Here's a link to the Stereophile review: http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/wilson_audio_sasha_wp_loudspeaker/index.html

My sense is the tonal balance will be tipped up towards the upper mids and treble if you drive them with the INT-30A. The other PASS amps you list should be able to drive them satisfactorily. Whether they are a good sonic match is another question.
Different strokes for different folks. I know of examples of people driving them with 100+wpc SS amps and not being happy with the bass performance they are getting. As with all things if you can audition the amp/speaker combo you are contemplating, that is the best way to make any purchase decision. Good luck.