Allnic Audio A-6000 vs Pass XA 30.8


Maybe an unfair A/B ... yet FYI

After a 17 day x 24 hour burn in of the Pass at solid levels running music I had a listen to trusted digital files I've heard for 20 years as my REFs ... hoping there was a SS amp that could rival the Allnic.  The A-6000s are stock internally, running 2 x EML 300 BXLS on each side. Mullard drivers.  Gain between the amps was within 0.5 db of identical.

Evolution Acoustics MM3 Exact, Bricasti M1 SE DA, Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper Cables, Crane Song Avocet Class A discrete pre (pro audio)

Allnic was superior in every category:

Low end had more size, more extension, and more transient punch

Low level details were more resolved, more depth, more beautiful overall image

Harmonic differences of digital vs analog tape tracking in these well known reference recordings were masked by the Pass

Lateral size of both was similar

Midrange freq hardness around 1-3k with the Pass

Strong signature on every playback option that was very obvious.  I heard the amp as much as the music

128x128brianlucey

Showing 1 response by sns

I had similar experience recently with Pass XP22 pre I had purchased as possible replacement or backup for Coincident Statement MkII (Psvane WE101D) with a few other non-factory mods. Noise floors/resolving very similar, Pass the slightest more extension on top, bass impactful and articulate with both,  Statement greater transparency, larger sound stage, more dimensional imaging, more natural timbre. Statement produces palpable sensation of performers in room, Pass more hifi, analytical experience. 

 

Age old question of tubes vs SS.  In my room, in my system, and for my listening preferences, tubes have always won up to this point. I'll add the Pass was very nice, these were small but meaningful differences in my system.