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What's a good alternative to Pass Labs?

Owner of the x250.5 (pass labs). It's a remarkable amplifier, it just doesn't seem to synergize all that well with my speaker. Something a little less bright (a little more forgiving) and something slightly less warm. It seems to get warmest in the mid-bass (bloat), and brightest of course in the higher treble. The mid-bass warmth/bloat exists at lower as well as higher volumes, the brightness starts to get bad at louder volumes. I think they that Pass is a warm neutral, so perhaps i'm just looking for something that's just neutral. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

budget less than $10k. used or new ok.
coloneltushfinger

Showing 3 responses by coloneltushfinger

coloneltushfinger OP
31 posts
 
Hey guys, I apologize, I should have my system info in my original post.

I have these speakers:
http://www.taelektroakustik.de/index.php?id=504&L=1

Pre-Amp/Dac: CP-800
Amplifier: Pass Labs X250.5
Source: Mac Mini w/Dirac Live
Subwoofers: 2 JL f113's
coloneltushfinger OP
31 posts
 
04-20-14: Abrew19
Colonel, did you say less bright and less warm at the same time?

Let me rephrase. With regards to warmth, there is a little to much warmth in the mid-range--it's especially apparent in women's voices with medium-higher pitch. Also a little bloat in the mid-bass--the sound is exaggerated & larger than life.

With regards to brightness, I'd classify the x250.5 as ever so slightly bright. It is by no means ruthless, nor is it forgiving. Given that a lot of the music I love isn't particularly well produced or mastered, something slightly forgiving may end up making me happier.
coloneltushfinger OP
31 posts
 
Hey Tom6897, can you link me to the review that called them shouty? I don't think I across that one.
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