2. amps-preamps
  3. 134874-1804

Pass x250.8 vs Hegel h4se vs Ayre VX-R

Just looking for thoughts from anyone who's heard 2 or more of these for comparison sake.  For the past few years I've had Ayre amps in my system (altho just an AX-7e and AX-5) and have enjoyed them, but occasionally have felt like "there might be something more".  I prefer solid state.

I can prob go up to about 10k used.

The amps named have caught my attention.
joncourage
ebm
9,311 posts
 
I had a Pass 350.8 it was a wonderful made amp and sounded great I'm sure the Pass 250.8 is another great amp.The service is great if it ever breaks which is almost never,Hegel do you have to send it to Sweden for service??
joncourage OP
185 posts
 
Great point.  Pass and Ayre are both US.  Definitely would hate to send something that heavy to EU for service.
alucard19
355 posts
 
See if you can find a used Jeff Rowland amp, once you hear these amps you will want one, very high end but very good.
browndt
97 posts
 
I have a Pass Labs INT-250 their new integrated. A truly amazing
amp' Its connected to a Herron Phono amp. Best sound I have ever heard. EBM is correct, Pass amps are reliable and the service is excellent. Almost any foreign product has slower service. 
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I would also recommend Pass. I have a pair of xa100.5's and they are truly excellent sounding amplifiers and a great company.

Chuck 
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