2. amps-preamps
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pass labs xa30.5 vs aleph 3

Stereophile reveiwer Erick Lichte has done a head to head review of these pass amps in August 2009 issue. Erick uses the aleph 3 as his main amp feeding a pair or Revel f30 speakers, he also uses Benchmark Dac1 to feed the alpeh as I do as well. He was asked to do a comparison between the pass amps as a follow up to the great reveiw of the xa30.5 which was reviewed by Brian Damkroger in which,I quote "absolutely, positively,and enthusiasticallly recommended" the xa30.5 and, Brian sounds like he perfers high powered amps in the review. In the review Erick thought the Xa30.5 sounded more resolving and a little bit better bass control and can sound louder than the 30 watts. It was leaner in the midbass than the aleph 3 but, had a slightly more presents in the top three octave. he still is in love with is aleph 3 and sound like he is not planning on replacing the aleph 3 with the xa30.5. Anyways I have been waiting for a head to head review of these pass amps since the xa30.5 was released. If anyone would like to see the head to head review send me an email and I will take a high res pictures of the artical and send it to anyone. Also Erick Lichte did a head to head review of the Musical Fidelity's 550k supercharger amp and the Aleph 3 in a December 2008 issue. He concluded the aleph sounded better than the 550's by itself. He then supercharged his aleph 3 but did not like the sound. Very interesting articals about my beloved aleph 3, and a great read for aleph 3 owners. In my opinion the aleph 3 is still a giant killer and is a legend when it comes to amps.
tiverson2000

Showing 8 responses by pubul57

pubul57
3,712 posts
 
As soon as someone has heard the J2, let us know you impressions. Sound intriguing, but it is only 25 watts, proabably 90db or higher sensitivity.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Yes, like Earflappin, I too did the XA30.5 versus Atma-sphere M60 "test", in my case with the Merlin VSM-MXe. There is no doubt that the Pass are the best SS amps (Aleph, Aleph J, and XA30.5) I have heard, yet it was not a difficult decision to choose the Atma-spheres. My feeling is that when an OTL can match up with a speaker, it is a pretty difficult combination to beat. There are maintenance issues involved with using tube amps, but there is something to the sound of tubes that I feel makes it all worthwhile. As to OP, I think that is very possible that the Aleph J (better than the original)with tube friendly speakers (highish, smooth impedance)might be every bit as good as the XA30.5; proabably becasue it is a simpler circuit with fewer parts since it is not trying to deliver more current with dipping speaker impedances.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Earflappin, have you, or has anyone else done the upgrade from 3.0 to 3.1. It does not seem expensive. I do wonder what the changes are internally and how the perfomance changes, improves? with the upgrade. Hmmm, maybe this should be a new thread?
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I'm sending my amps in for the upgrade this week:) Thanks for your input.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Ok, so I got the 3.1 upgrade a year ago, and I am never (did I say that) selling my M60s. But, I still want to have an SS that approaches the quality of my tube gear. So in a way it comes full circle since I feel that Pass or First Watt is the answer. The J2 and M have come out since the last post. Any further thoughts on XA.5/J2/M..... I currently leaning to the J2, but only because of what others have said, I have never heard either of the new First Watt amps. Will any of them come close to the magic of the M60s with my OTL friendly speakers (89db).
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Thanks Grant. I've spent a few week driving myself nuts with
reading and talking with AGoners looking for an SS to have in
the mix, but I think the J2 and M2 are the two I will give a
try. My guess is the J2 is more of what I am looking for, but
Mark at Reno Hi Fi makes it easy to try and find the best fit.
Thanks for you help here and in other threads.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Do Pass dealers carry First Watt? Thought that was limited to Reno and Audiofeil.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Not sure there is a Reno conspiracy (actually I'm sure there
isn't), just what appears to be satisfied customers with the
service provided. I've bought an XA30.5 and Aleph J, and
maybe a J2 soon, and if I am not happy with it, an easy
trade-in policy (a home evaluation with my equipment and
room if you will); seems to be a good business model, and
now Audiofeil seems to be part of this distribution channel
with First Watt gear. Now the question is where does your
anti-Reno Animus come from. You own a brick and mortar? If
so, I suggest you get a website up, 60-70% of some stores
come from their internet channel. If not that, then why
complain when others recommend a vendor for providing good
service. If Tvad were the only one, you would quickly hear
from others of what a piece of S%&t Reno was, and all the
bad experiences some have had. It doesn't happen. Why? I
think it is obvious. But really, the Reno issue isn't very
interesting. Much more interesting is which of the wonderful
Pass/First Watt products to buy. Why? When seeking SS,
Pass/First Watt must be on anyone's shortlist of products to
consider.
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