2. amps-preamps
  3. 173736-10803

Class A: Accuphase vs Pass Labs house sound?

I have always been fascinated with Accuphase (Japanese audio in general). I've never heard an Accuphase amp in person. I've heard Pass class a/b amps a few times. I own a FirstWatt j2. One thing I really like about the feature set of Accuphase that it includes a gain level control. I would find that handy since I have 101 efficient (measured at 98db) Zu speakers. Since I run a tube pre, tube hiss can be an issue if I do not keep tabs on the gain when choosing components. No worries with the J2 since the gain is super low. However, I may look to upgrade my amp in the future. Pass 30.8 is something that looks like a nice unit. Also the Accuphase A-48 or A-30.

Just curious if anyone has compared both...sound wise and build wise

 

 

aberyclark
sheridanmartinj
50 posts
 

Go Pass it will Last great in every respect may deal with a little more distortion  I`m not listening to specs its the music at 75 yrs young I can care less about .005% distortion.  For the last 30 yrs. its been tubes on the high end trannies on the bottom;  Audio Research Preamps on top Pass power amps on the bottom just lately I decided to go all transistor Pass XP30 Pre - Pass X350 Power the synergy is just outrageous. GO PASS IT WILL LAST!!

fiesta75
1,378 posts
 

I do like the sound of Accuphase amplifiers, very clean sounding. Between the two I would choose Pass, but I'm a transistor guy.

havocman
350 posts
 

I totally agree I've heard both and I think the Pass sounds more real and natural, if I didn't have the Sim audio w8 I would definitely choose a pass labs.

mrmeaner
44 posts
 

Sugden IA-4 Masterclass. Pure Class A from the pioneers of it. 

runwell
279 posts
 

Accuphase more dark and more refined.

Pass open and transparent.

Obviously,most people like  pass 

The top 3 brand on this forum are pass lab, luxman, audio research. Why these 3?  The reason is their house sounds attract you  in some way.

 

 

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