Mac MA 352 vs Pass INT-60

Interesting to hear from you regarding this older thread.  I actually called Pass at the time to find a dealer (unbelievably,, there was  no one in Houston) and they were very helpful and recommended usatubeaudio.com in, I think, Arizona.  The guy I dealt with was named Paul.  They had  a new unit for about $2K below list, although the catch was you didn't get the 60 day or whatever it was return.  I don't remember the real specifics, but they were good  to deal with.  That amp weighs almost 100 pounds so is a serious item.  The upside is that it is probably the heartbeat of my system.  It is built like a tank, is very neutral with my KEF speakers ( what I wanted), but also closer to a tube sound than most solid state stuff.  I wouldn't call it warm, however.  I had all BAT tube electronics and a 2A3 self-built amp with open baffle speakers in my past life and as much as I miss that stuff  would have to say that this sounds better.  All my other equipment here is solid state.  I like the integrated amp concept and see little reason for separates as good as this thing is. The soundstage and everything else is exceptional.  I would say to make sure your speaker requirement is within the 60 watt range.  My KEF's are 4 ohm and go down near 3 so power not a problem here, but I've been known to crank the INT-60 all the way up, although usually 2/3 or so gets me into the 80-90 dB range.  If that doesn't cut it there is the AMP-250, only about 10 lb heavier.  Some people like the INT-60 a bit better but it's hard to imagine the topology being much different.   I would suggest a call to Pass and seeing what they say.  Good luck to you!!

dwest1023's amp looks like an INT-250.  My KEF speakers are around 88 dB.  I think power-hungry speakers might want a bit more juice.  

Howardlee

i do have pass 250. I traded my 60 for it. I also own 6 other intergrated, one being the Mac 352.

Here is the skinny.  Having owned the Pass 60 and owning the 250, and the Mac 352. If you want warm and long listening, the 60 is the way to go.  If I had to do it all over again, I would have kept my pass 60 over the 250. The 250 is more neutral-sounding. There is a hint of warmth, but more detailed on the top.( my taste is warm.) Concerning the mac 352, if your eyes were closed, you would never know that amp had tubes in it. As has been metioned it can sound harsh.Tube change and Cardas cables correct that. My purchase of the Mac was that I just always wanted those blue meters. IMO, sound stage is deeper and wider with the Pass 250. As far as soundstage between the 352 and the Pass 60, I cannot say with certainty, as I use different speakers depending on the amp I rotate. 

I also have a Krell K300 i and its the most tube like solid state I have heard. 

Thanks so much.  Hard to find anyone with that exact experience.  The INT-60 has been perfect in my system and just what I was looking for. Your post has made me feel even better about it.  As far as the blue meters go, well.......the guy I talked to at Pass said they wanted to get rid of theirs, but the customers didn't like that.  As for me, when I was looking at the Mac 352 the meters were the thing I most wanted rid of, especially with the fake accent lights on the tubes!