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Disappointment with Pass Labs - I'm looking for something else

Hello, I am new to this forum and my mother tongue is not English, so please forgive me if I make mistakes as I use a translator.

I recently bought an XA30.8 and an XP12. I was very happy but as time went by I began to not feel comfortable with the sound.
After doing many tests, I find that the XA30.8 sounds very very sweet but actually too much. I find it to be a loosely defined amp, somewhat muddy and lacks a lot of air and grip. The soundstage is very closed.

The XP-12 is the worst of the two. It is a previous that removes a lot of resolution and information, without transient attacks and sunken mid frequencies. Instead it brings warmth.

Has anyone of you found the same?

If you ask me, I have a Klipsch Cornwall and a dCS BArtok.

Now I want a capable amp, forceful, something warm, decisive, airy and with a great soundstage.

At first I thought of changing my XA30.8 for X250.8, and changing the XP-12 for a second-hand Audio Research Ref5. I am afraid of this change and continue with Pass, since I can go back to the same thing a bit.

On the other hand I have thought of going for a Luxman 900 combo, since it has very good reviews and from what I have read it could be the winning ticket.
opm

Showing 1 response by ejlif

ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,366 posts
 
I have the Klipsch Forte III.  I also have the Pass 30.8 and a DCS Rossini DAC.  I really do like the 30.8 amp, it's great with other speakers but I don't like it with the Klipsch.  Personally I far and away prefer the Decware Zen Triode 2.5 watt tube amp.  Better everything with the Forte III.  I'm thinking of jumping up to the even more efficient Cornwall IV like you have.  I love the 30.8 on the Maggie LRS, it's like a different amp but something leaves me cold with the Klipsch.  

Did you ever try your Bartok direct to the amp?  The Decware amp has two inputs and an attenuator so it's sort of an integrated amp if you need more than one input.  The sound is beautiful, great bass and so fatigue free and extended at the same time.  Fatigue is one word I would use to describe the 30.8 with the Klipsch speakers.  For 1000 USD new the Decware Zen triode is an amazing hifi bargain that amp competes with anything I've ever heard before.  
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