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

@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.

@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. 

@garynospamm …Ref 6 SE does have a processor feature but the Ref must be powered on to utilize it. If you use your HT a lot, using Ref in that system would just result you in shortening tube life by running the unit unnecessarily. 

@audphile1 what is the input on the Ref 6 labeled, as I have been looking at the back panels and only see Bal 1-4 and SE 1-4 inputs.

Thanks again for all your great info!

You’re welcome.
You can configure “Processor” through the Ref’s menu and assign any input to it. Keep in mind Ref will turn that input into unity gain so HT processor is all you want to have hanging off that input.