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Quandary

I’m really happy with my system. However when a technician, who is also a salesman, came to my house for a stereo repair he complimented my set but said it would sound a lot better if I switched out my Benchmark AHB2 amp (which I think is great) for a Pass 30 wpc class AB amp. He offered to let me hear that amp in my system so that I could decide for myself (at a fee of $300.) The only problem is he doesn’t  have the 30 watt amp in stock but would have to demo the Pass sound with 60 watt monoblocks. He assured  me that with my very efficient GoldenEar Triton 1 speakers the 30 watt amp will almost have the the same quality.

Do you think I can honestly judge how the smaller amp will actually sound? Or should I cancel the demonstration (and save$300?)

rvpiano
mrdecibel
3,304 posts
 

For the $300, he was bringing over a pair of mono amps....2 X 100 lbs. A lot of work, imo. Not fair however, because the mono blocks would have enough characteristics to be different than the single chassis amp. I had an XA 25 here on loan from a friend, and I enjoyed my LSA GAN 350 (which I modified a bit), more. In fact, he sold it and got a pair of Gan Class D mono amps (with the tube looking things, lol), and have not looked back. Meaning, it is up to the individual, and what their tastes and likes are. I happen to have liked the Benchmark pre, but not the amp, in my system. I'm kind of thinking like Ralph of Atma Sphere, that Class A power amps are nearing their time, as well as tube power amps (tubes for me ended many years ago). It is all up to those characteristics in amplification (and any components) that the listener enjoys. My best, MrD.

Post removed 
jl35
4,458 posts
 

All the Pass XA amps are rated at what their Class A power is, but all put out much more when when they shift to Class AB ...the meter actually only tells when the amp switches from Class A to AB.  The X series amps are rated as Class AB, but the first typically 10-25 watts are Class A...

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,979 posts
 

To those who say (some in a snarky manner) that I am   being tricked into this purchase by a diabolical predator, let me say I am aware of the seduction.  Nobody is more gullible to suggestion and at risk for deception than an audiophile.  That’s why I created this post, to see what others had to say.  And I must say there are a myriad of opinions. 
 What is driving my interest in now trying out the amp is the posts of those who believe it will make a big difference in my system. It’s enough of a percentage to convince me to at least see what it’s like.

elrod
268 posts
 

It's one thing if you were actively looking at that amp to purchase - even paying $300 for an audition could well be worth it to you compared to buying, not liking it, then having to resell.

But then you weren't actively looking. There could well be other amps out there for you to audition that won't cost $300 to listen to, and that you may like equally well.

As long as your willing to lose the $300, go for it. That could well be a bargain compared to not listening to it  and having the "what ifs" keeping you awake at night.

But you could also check around for other shops that may have a loaner program

 

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