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Pls help me decide Pass Labs X250.8 or Luxman M900u

I want to upgrade my 2 channel audio.  I have a 7.2.4 Home Theater system I am in the process of upgrading. Recently I upgraded my old B&W N805 / HTM2 to the 803D4 / HT81D4 and relegated my N805’s to Surround duty (and they excel in this roll!)

I have been driving (due to age of system) with a Pass Labs X5, which I will keep for surrounds and center on HT , but I want to upgrade my 2 Channel Audio.  I currently am trying to decide between the PassLabs X250.8 and the  Luxman M900u.  As these B&W’s can dip down below 2ohms I want to make sure I buy an amp which will bring out the best in my system and handle these dips. I will also be buying a Tube Preamp with HT Bypass -(looking for a used VAC Signature Mk5 SE or the new Backert Rhumba Extreme 1.4)

 

Anyone with experience with either of these amps and B&W 800’s would be great to hear from.

Thx!

 

garynospamm
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,054 posts
 

@garynospamm if you end up with Pass Labs amplifier, consider Audio Research Ref 5SE or Ref 6 in your price range. Audio Research tube preamps pair extremely well with Pass Labs amps. Speaking from personal experience. 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,493 posts
 

@audphile1 

 

+1 I agree. I used an Audio Research Reference 5SE for many years with a Pass x350. Is a great combo… although, to me, a way better combo was with a REF 160… but that is another conversation.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,054 posts
 

@ghdprentice LOL I’m sure. I’m enjoying a Ref 6 now paired with my X260.8 monos, courtesy of my buddy who let me play with it for a week. Sweet combo!

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
1,072 posts
 

@OP Late reply as I am no on USA time.

Just two final comments - once the specs don't show any red flags - listen!

Secondly, I wouldn't get hung up on technologies and suggest that you also listen to a comparably priced Passlabs preamp before making a final decision.

garynospamm OP
22 posts
 

@soix I have 803D4’s (not D3’s) but you are correct about the upper registers. I’d like as much imaging, 3dimensionality and life like presentation as possible. I find magic in the small details and how notes can hang in the air.

@audphile1 I would consider a Ref6 SE but (maybe because of my lack of knowledge) thought it would be best to buy a pre amp which has Home Theater Bypass as 60% of the time the system is used for that.

You can turn the Backert off for HT , also it’s much more affordable than the VAC. Have not found a store that had both so I can so listen side by side. 

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