Amplfiers that Sound like Pass 30.8 that are not so heavy

There is a lot of really good Class D gear out there now.

AGD, Bel Canto (I have a REF501S), Orchard (website was down yesterday) and the Gear LAS is making is getting some good reviews here to.

Personally I would try a tube amp.  I have the 30.8 and the First Watt J2 and F6 and have compared many other solid state amps to my Decware Zen triode as well as the Feliks Arioso 300B amp.  I always hear what I would call grain from the solid state amps.  I am using very efficient speakers so I can get away with 2 and 8 watts but I think there is some tube magic that is hard to get from solid state.  The 30.8 is a real powerhouse and sounds more like 3X that much power to me.  The F6 is a more delicate sound and the J2 is somewhere in between.  The 30.8 is the only amp I have that will power the Maggie LRS and I hear it's character different with those speakers compared to the couple different high efficiency Klipsch speakers I have here.  As warm as the 30.8 is compared to other solid state it's still nothing like a tube amp to my ear and hard to come back from that grainless and seductive non fatiguing sound. 

The problem here is something that sounds like Pass.   Usually I recommend amps in contrast to Pass.  While I'm a big fan of Class D I recommend them as not sounding like Pass to begin with. 

How about an Ayre???  It's not a straight replacement, but it may be a good switch. :)

Keep the amp and hire somebody to move it around after you finish unpacking.  It's cheaper in the long run and there's no risk to upsetting the sound of your system.

How about the Pass XA25??  Reviewers seem to love it and it saves you 40 lbs.

Why do you need to move the amp around so much?

Personally my experience is the heavier the better anything sounds. You own a great sounding amp. I am getting old and don’t move stuff around much any more. I would keep that fine sounding amp. “Sliders” and intellect can solve the movement problem… and hired help in a pinch. Worth not settling for sub optimum performance. I only move my amp every ten years or so.

The CODA #8 is an excellent amp. Only reason I would sell it is to get the CODA #16 which is a bit better. The CODA drives my Thiel CS3.7 great. It can go down to 2 Ohms, though I forgot the numbers.

I actually move my CODA #8 around rather frequently, so I am glad it is not heavy. I alternate with some other amps between my RAAL SR1a headphones and the Thiel CS3.7. The other amp next week will be a KRELL Duo 175XD which may also satisfy the OP's needs.

The KRELL is a bit smoother sounding on the SR1a (I have a KRELL K-300i in another room) while I like the CODA #8 a bit more on the Thiel CS3.7.  The KRELL is a very relaxing sounding amp. The KRELL 175XD is 60 lbs.

+1 on agd if you want pass labs level of sound, and much less weight

Unless the amp power supply is a switching type(very rare) a large power supply is desirable but heavy due to a large trnasformer. Great power supplies don't show up in standard amp specs but are the most significant factor in the amp's performance.

Also if you like the sound of the Pass that's hard to get. A big factor in this amp besides rich class A before going to A/B is there is no overall feedback loop like over 99% of amps. No loop feedback makes a big affect on an amp's sound.

NAIM

Ayre is nothing like Pass, even tho a genius also designed it.

A used Nagra classic amp. Musical detailed and a hint of warmth

Again, the AGD Audion mono blocks are very light with no heat and class D or not these are the best amps I’ve owned. Just for reference I also own the Coda #16.

Lance

Replace with a 25INT. Sell the pre. Money ahead maybe.

+3 re AGD Audions, particularly when you seek transparency and “holographic” presentations.

Good luck!

Echoing some other views here, it is going to be difficult to replicate the sound of your 30.8 with something light. Any of the amps that I've heard (and I have heard quite a few) which are similar in sonic signature to the Pass are either transistor Class A or A/B designs which are heavily biased into Class A - e.g. the Parasound JC designs. Or they are push pull tube designs. 300B amps like the Arioso don't really sound like a Pass - more spotlight treble, less bass control and extension etc. I appreciate the heat issue in terms of Florida, but I would try to keep the 30.8s if at all possible. As previously suggested, an 25Int might be and acceptable compromise - but even it will be a compromise.

I mentioned AGD and I would also like to mention Linear Tube Audio to match or exceed anything from Pass.

I love AGD. Best I’ve had

Not to be to critical but once you get your system set up at the new location are you not done moving or handling the amp? My amps weigh in at 80lbs each but I have not moved them in years. If I move I will set them up snd then not move for years again. With the heat turn up the ac. I live up north and enjoy warming my hands on top of my amps.

I was in a similar situation.  I also live in FL and downsized my house and have a smaller listening room.  I finally sold my tube amp as it made the room too warm and went with the Cary 200.2 ES after reading the professional reviews that said it runs warm, not hot.  It weighs in at 65 lbs.  I've never heard the Pass 30.8 so I can't compare, but I'm very happy with it.  Cary posts the professional reviews at their web site.  They also have a 30-day return policy.

Not to be to critical but once you get your system set up at the new location are you not done moving or handling the amp?

some of us may want/need to change up the gear, thus need to move pieces from now and then

not to mention a 75-80 lb amp, even unpacked and moved just a few times, can do plenty of harm to an otherwise aging and fragile body/back (ask me how i know 😅

I was in a similar situation. Sold the XA30.8 and bought a Devialet. kept it a year and it never moved me. I now have the INT 25 and am happy I do. Beware. The Pass is special. If you like it, change might not be positive.

LSA Voyager 350, a GaN amp with upscale power supply

Sounds great, and < $3000

Can the new house not support the weight of the amp? Keep it if you like it. 

Van Alstine DVA M225 monoblocks - 17lbs each (shipped).  Amazing quality and small size and weight.   Class AB with a bias to class A for the first 20 watts or so. Have been compared to big Pass monoblocks in multiple reviews.  I own a pair - amazing amps.

I have to second the Belles monoblocs.  Closest thing to the xa30.8  I’ve found.  Either the Belles pre or a good tube pre.

If the much lighter class D can replace the heavy weight amplifier , it is really good things for audiophile. I just wondering how such good things come true?

90 Pounds, in round numbers, the XA30.8 tips the scale to that figure. An amp that’s lighter than that, but has that lit from within presentation, that airy soundstage, and that wonderful midrange bloom, you Sir are looking for a Hegel H20, which is this

Output power: More than 200 W + 200 W in 8 ohms, Dual mono
Inputs: RCA unbalanced and XLR balanced
Speaker outputs: Two pairs of heavy-duty gold plated terminals
Input Impedance: Balanced 10 kohm, unbalanced 50 kohm
Frequency response: Less than +/- 0.2 dB deviation 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Phase response: Less than 2 degrees deviation 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Signal to noise ratio: More than 100 dB
Crosstalk: Less than -100 dB
Distortion: Less than 0.006% at 100 W8 ohm
Intermodulation: Less than 0.01% (19 kHz + 20 kHz)
Damping factor: More than 1000
Power supply: 1000 VA dual mono, 90,000 μF capacitors
Output stage: 20 pcs 15 A 200 W high speed, ultra-low distortion bipolar transistors

Weight is 55 Pounds, or some 33 pounds less than the XA30.8. Note the damping factor, and high power supply capacitance. This amp cranks, 200 wpc into 8 ohms. This Hegel uses FET transistors like Pass (which gives that midrange bloom), and they both use minimal stages of input signal processing. I think Hegel uses only two stages, and like Pass’s X amps, I *think* they use the same/similar (maybe) input signal canceling; Pass calls it Super Symmetry and Hegel has their moniker, which I can’t remember. The Hegel is good stuff. If you want to really simplify and get an integrated, this weighs less than 90 pounds…

Technical Specifications

Power output: 2 x 250 W into 8 Ω, Dual Mono
Minimum load: 2 Ω
Analog Inputs: 1 x balanced (XLR), 2 x unbalanced (RCA)
Digital Outputs: 1 x coaxial (BNC)
Digital Inputs: 1 x coaxial (BNC), 1 x coaxial (RCA), 3 x optical, 1 x USB, 1 x Network
Line level Output: 1 x unbalanced fixed (RCA), 1 x unbalanced variable (RCA)
MQA supported inputs: USB, BNC, Optical and Coaxial
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 180 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 100 dB
Crosstalk: Less than -100 dB
Distortion: Less than 0.005% @ 50 W/8 Ω/1 kHz
Intermodulation: Less than 0.01% (19 kHz + 20 kHz)
Damping factor: More than 4000 (main power output stage)
Dimensions incl feet: 14,5 cm x 43 cm x 44 cm (HxWxD), 20 kg unit weight
Dimensions (US): 5.71" x 16.93" x 17.32" (HxWxD), 44 lbs unit weight

See that ultra low distortion, that awesome damping factor and your magical weight of 44 pounds? This Hegel H390 integrated weighs half of your Pass XA30.8. This will crank also; 250 WPC into 8 ohms, that is no joke right there.

In any case, listening is believing as the saying goes, so while I think Hegel has that Pass like sound, we’re all different so it is best that one should go out and hear it first hand. Happy hunting, and I hope this helps… Have a very nice new year.

If the much lighter class D can replace the heavy weight amplifier , it is really good things for audiophile. I just wondering how such good things come true?

it is called technological innovation and advancement - the agd’s are truly a huge step forward

and, i agree, the hegel h20 is a truly excellent amp, absolutely in the same class as the pass units

I owned a pair of Pass XA-100.5 amps and went to a 30.8 because of the heat. I have a smallish room and the Pass amps are like space heaters. Something I don't need in Texas in the summer. I went through a plethora of amps including several McIntosh (heavy),  Classe (not heavy), Cary, Krell (not as heavy or as hot as Pass and sound like Pass), Bryston and a few others.

In my opinion, the Bryston (4Bsst2) is the best bang for the buck. It sounds as good as the Pass, doesn't get hot and only weighs 50 pounds - almost 40 lbs less than the 30.8. Highly recommended. From what I have read, the 4Bsst3 sounds even more like the Pass.

consider the class A Sugden integrated.

[please excuse my poor English]

Given the easy impedance (min. 6 Ohms, see graph) of your QLN Prestige 3 speakers, I would give the new and terrific NuPrime AMG-STA ($1695) a try, seriously. Compact and lightweight (8.8 lbs).

Input stages in class A. Output stages in class D.

Initially, I did not want class D amplifiers, not even to jam a door. I nevertheless had the opportunity to listen to the at home, and bought them in 30min. (with their AMG-PRA preamp, amazing too). This was for a 2nd system. But they are amazing.

Very nice-sounding, with a lot of transparency, image precision, and timbres (I listen to classical!). I was very, very surprised. Now, I think not all class D amplifiers sound that good. Moreover, you have to say "class D" with hyphens, as then did not pick up off-the-shelf class D modules (Hypex, etc). They wanted their amp to sound much better. They build their own circuit with very high switching frequency to reach the most "analog" possible sound.

2w130w. Switchable in mono mode (=> 2xAMG-STA gives you a pair of monoblocks for only $3390. It is this combination that amazed Christiaan Punter, excellent Dutch reviewer (see Hifi-advice review, hereafter).

The Absolute Sound "highly recommended" (review)

Hifi-advice "highly recommended" (review)

I really appreciate their weight when I have to move them around. They sound much, much better than my 80w, 40lbs Marantz PM-16 in that 2nd system. I have not yet compared them though to my YBA Classic + Aries Cerat Incito preamp sitting in my main system (in another town).

____________________________

QL Prestige 3 - IMPEDANCE

You could put it on a dolly if you’re moving it around frequently 

I agree with the folks saying that the Pass amp is special and perhaps you should just get help moving it, so you don't have to change it out.

That said, if you must change, I recommend that you consider the Son of Ampzilla II by Spread Spectrum Technologies (SST). 

• It only weighs 42 pounds and puts out 220 watts per channel.
• The sound is very Pass-like and exudes the best of aspects of a Class A amp - including running very warm.
• It delivers beautifully on every measure of sound you may have for an amp from bass to imaging to detail without harshness.

I admit that I bought this amp 6 months ago after a careful search and it will be my last amp.

Happy listening however you choose to go! 

I agree fully with the above post. I still own the original GAS Son of Ampzilla. Designed by James Bongiorno, a brilliant and under-recognised designer. When I got the amp I chose it in preference to Pass' Threshold!

Make it work, keep the Pass amp(s)

 once gone, you will be sad.

 We moved to a smaller home, and my dumba$$ bought larger amps.

make it work!

Seriously, keep it... or move to the XA25

Solution Bedini 25/25 Phase II. If you can find one. I used mine to drive Acoustat 2+2s. Now have Von Schweikert VR4 Sig and VR 5/7 and Totem Forest. Must hear to believe this amp. 35 lbs. Also own PrimaLuna EVO 400/KT150s. Actully have two. 70lbs each. Also own Quicksilver V4 and Mono 120s for reference. They will play louder. There is a "fluid" sound to the Bedini not matched by any other amp I have heard. Also have other Bedini amps like 800 series. Good Luck! You might want to keep the PASS until you hear better.

Take a look at the Linear Tube Audio 50 wattamp.  Very eady to move and sounds like music.

I want to thank all of you who took time to answer my post. There were some very interesting suggestions. I liked those who commented and I paraphrase, keep the amp you will be sorry when you see it go!. I am going to call Mark at Reno Hifi and get his take on the  X25 in comparison to the 30.8. Once again thanks to all who took time to answer my post. Best wishes to all...

Charlie

I've just bought the XA25.

http://6moons.com/audioreviews2/passlabs3/3.html

Tonally especially in the vocal band it was slightly fruitier than the XA-30.8. Microdynamically it was clearly more expressive like a faster circuit. This was particularly evident on Mayte’s voice. It scaled more dramatically, hence felt bigger. When bass and drums kick in to suddenly light up the soundstage in its outer quadrants, their contrast ratio relative to the guitar, violin and singer which were already on was higher. With the XA-30.8 in my estimation being slightly dark, bassy and dense, the XA25 stirred in some quicksilver. The mean trick was injecting a quickening agent without diluting the tone density and chunkiness I adore in our stable mate. Typically, so-called fast amps like our 1MHz LinnenberG Allegros lighten the load. It’s as though to go so fast, they have to shed some tone mass or physicality. Decisively, the XA25’s uptick on the accelerator did not.

rather than to actual valve amps, I’ve transitioned to Pass Labs and FirstWatt. Their amps do some of the things I like about tubes without any of the things I really don’t. By now quite certain where to look, the higher orchestral background violins here and there showed just a touch more horse hairs with the XA25 as their metallic/glassy not wooden/creamy personality trait. This led to the impression of elevated image lock or being better separated out from the mix as discrete entities. Still, the overriding takeaway from this session was somehow more focused on how the amps overlapped, not where they diverged. The key word of complete agreement between XA-30.8 and XA25 was sonorous.

If we consult certain synonyms, we circle that sonorous wagon more tightly. "Vibrant, full-bodied, resounding, majestic, lofty, strong, imposing."

You could put it on a dolly if you’re moving it around frequently

I think the main problem is lifting the amp alone. If the amp is too heavy, 2 persons may be required to safely lift and move the amp. The heaviest amp that I managed alone when I owned it weighs 85 lbs, and that’s about the limit for me. My current amp now weighs 64 lbs max which is much more manageable.

I’ve just bought the XA25.

[please excuse my poor English]

Thanks @millercarbon for that interesting input about the 25w Pass XA25’s sound. It weighs 45 lbs/20.4 kg (so it is up to the OP; did he mentioned the maximum weight that he/his back could manage?).

Alternatively, the aforementioned NuPrime AMG-STA (8.8 lbs) power amplifiers could do the job, though in a somewhat different way.

just summarizing a bit for op - with units worth considering imo (sound quality all on par, and outstanding, just somewhat differing sonic characters)

pass xa30.8 @ 88 lbs as reference

________________________________________________________________

pass xa25 @ 45 lbs $4000 (lower power though)

hegel h20 @ 53 lbs $4000 (much more power, slightly leaner midbass, very pure)

agd tempo @ 10 lbs $5000 similar tone, slightly purer overall)

linear tube audio zotl ref40 @ 15 lbs $6500 (tubey sweetness, softer bass)

i have all these amps currently (my agd’s are the audion monos, whereas tempo is slightly more cost effective stereo version)

OP's speakers are listed as 87.5 dB sensitive and 8 ohm. I'm always curious about the amp choices people make when it comes down to power vs. sound quality characteristics. Always seems to be some sort of compromise...

We had 87dB speakers here in my room with 20W Raven Blackhawk they sounded wonderful and played quite loud. Not headbanger loud, but plenty pleasingly high volume. The XA25 is so conservatively rated based on both measurements and user experience it is hard to imagine not being able to get plenty of volume from it.

Another example of all watts are not equal.

I have QLN Prestige 5 and I am using an Audio Hungary Qualiton X200 (Blows Raven Away) and the Bel Canton e.One REF501S with REF2.7 DAC (Again Blows Raven Away)

The Bel Canto is Class D and is on all day as I work. I use the X200 in the evenings listening Analog and Digital.

Cheers.