Mcintosh 452 vs Pass Labs XA 30.5


Hello everyone, I'm at the Mcintosh house and so maybe part of the answers will be taken for granted, thanks to the desire to try new devices I'm evaluating a transition from my current Final Pass Xa 30.5 to a MC452. Even the pre should be replaced by switching from an Xp10 Pass to the Mcintosh C48.
I use the Totem Mani 2, Audio Physic Scorpio 2 and Tannoy Eaton speakers in a listening environment of around 20 sqm at low and medium volumes.
I would like some advice from those who have had the opportunity to try, comparing these brands and the good interface between the coupled MC 48 and 452 and my speakers.
Thank you.
128x128mizioa

Showing 9 responses by tlong1958

I had a Pass X1 pre with an XA30.5. Traded the XA 30.5 in for a McIntosh MC452. Big improvement. Later traded the X1 in for a McIntosh C2500. I prefer the McIntosh sound, but the Pass stuff is very good. Speakers were Klipschorns, JBL 1400, and then later JBL 4367
@missioncoonery so you had a 452 and a XA30.5 and the Pass “blew the Mac out of the water”?
kinda hard to believe, but if you say so then ok. It’s all pretty subjective if you ask me, but whatever 
Why do my posts all have a little snowflake-like icon on them? Is it because I don’t have many posts? Am I on probation or something?
Actually, the second poster (me) said that they were both good, but I preferred the McIntosh. Nothing blew anything out of the water. Liked both of them. 
His posts are unreadable in my opinion. If I’m reading a thread and I see he has posted I just scroll past him. He just keeps repeating himself over and over. Hey Bo, you need to come up with some new material.
So you bought a brand new 452 for $4500. And the dealer shipped it to you, which is goes against McIntosh policy/dealer agreement. 
I would question the dealer as to why they shipped the unit when they know this isn’t allowed. And you bought the amp for about 50% off retail. Sure it was new?
i have owned many Pass amps. I agree that they are an awesome company with excellent customer support 
@missioncoonery not doubting you. I haven’t had any issues with any of the 3 McIntosh units I have, but if I do I will let my dealer handle it. Hopefully I won’t get yanked.
ARC has really good customer service too, and you’re probably going to need it because it will blow up expensively