By "weak points" I meant more their weaker points compared to their strengths, not something that they do wrong.
I don't believe in absolute neutrality, and I most definitely don't want sterile sound.
ebm. you now have Audia Flight amps, how do they compare, what are the differences ?
Pass Labs is not the uppermost high end, as I understand, speaking of a wish to have them at any cost. As for value, they in fact do appear to be an excellent value. Not engaging enough ? Not much to write home about ? Just excellent amps ? |
ebm used to have Pass so it has to be great, no room for anything negative no matter how little. |
Does everyone prefer class A Pass amps overall ? Both current and older. |
They are not expensive compared to Gryphon, FM Acoustics and other Swiss brands, or even some Japanese, I guess.
Yeah, those lights would bother me, that's BS. Big and heavy, all good amps are big and heavy and inefficient.
Not enough top end resolution and energy - now this is a weaker point.
Being on a slightly warm side of neutral is a strong point for me. Redgum amp that I have is exactly that, good balance.
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So, so far no real weak points, just a few minor weaker points.
But no-one described Pass Class A and Class AB differences in details yet. Anyway, one can get Pass pre/power amps used for $5k-$6k for both. Pretty good. |
That's unexpected. Could you say more why you prefer X series ? |
I would not run them 24/7 and where I live it is often chilly except in summer so I would just turn the oil heater off and have the amps do the heating. In summer, yeah, but the equipment is in a living room with windows, some extra heat would not be a problem.Electrical bills..not sure, maybe $20-$30 per month more, I could live with that.
I also like big full sound, not forward not laid back, with deep and layered soundstage and three dimensional notes and silence moments. I can sacrifice some details and high frequency excellence. Besides, I don't tolerate high frequencies distortion, and there is so much of it in many recordings.
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audiotroy, please, enough of your participation, we get all your points even before you posted. If you want to advertise yourself in this thread - pay us, cost - $1 per letter. If you disagree - get the f. out. |
Denon1, I remember that you got Gryphon Diablo. Yes, I would not expect Pass to match Gryphon in dynamics, resolution and instrument separation. And of course at this level cables and power cords are even more important that at lower levels.
Big 3D soundstage is great, this is very important to me, especially with certain kinds of music. |
Where does Pass stand in comparison with Clayton and class AB Rowlands ? |
Are Pass amps somewhat 'lazy', not quite fast and dynamic enough ? |
Hmm.. California style...I mean Pass amps. |
Do you think it is possible for some of you to take it outside of my thread ? Please give it a try. |
benjie, I see. As I understood so far, only slight negatives can be less than perfect precision, speed, dynamics and resolution. Overall, Pass seems to be an excellent choice for many people. Size can be a problem in smaller rooms but look at some other amps out there. |
A few say that Pass amps are better than preamps, not that preamps are no good. I heard the same about Rowland, Lamm and others. It appears that it is more difficult to make a great preamp than power amp. Who is going to make great preamps ? Let me guess - just a handful of tube guys, correct ? |
Alright, I think I get the picture.
bsimpson, I especially thank you. You confirmed my impression that was formed after reading all the posts and a few other threads and reviews.
Sound, whatever else it should be, must be engaging. Just like people, I could add.
So, practically speaking, it appears that I have no need for Pass.
From what I gather, brands like Gryphon and Ypsilon are not just better, not in another league, but in another universe. And that is worth paying for. |
jetter, I am almost certain that Pass would not be good enough for me, definitely not when high - for me - cost is involved. I would have to wait longer and go higher. Pass seems to be a solid choice, that's all.
As for the Ypsilon experience, there was something terribly wrong either in that system or with the listeners or both. Some do say that Ypsilon may sound a little bright and forward, but it depends on the rest of the components and preferred sound. Stage III cables are often used with Ypsilon. |
Yes, jetter, by all accounts for the price it is an excellent choice if you don't need more power and current.
Besides various acoustic and vocal music, I listen to jazz rock, and with my current and I believe future speakers I would need more than what the Pass can deliver. That's in addition to what I said earlier. |
Kickbacks from amp manufacturers perhaps. |
In my observation, those whose hearing is good enough - no need for golden ear - hear very similarly but they can verbalize it in a different and sometimes unclear ways and of course, sound preferences differ. Most of people around me prefer electrostatic speakers, as an example, and I don't.
As for the Pass gear, it doesn't appear to be for me, regardless of certain fine qualities that it has. I wouldn't consider Bryston or Sim Audio either. I would skip all that and go straight to Gryphon or some Swiss gear for transistor sound. No idea about Italian or German electronics. |
