2. amps-preamps
  3. 173534-16015

Amplfiers that Sound like Pass 30.8 that are not so heavy

I am moving  to a smaller house and I really need a amp that is not as heavy as the Pass 30.8. Currently it is hooked up to a pair of QLN Prestige 3's with Adrenaline Speaker cables, a SAS 11A preamp recently modified and upgraded and fed by a Pagoda DAC.  I love the sound of this amp with a the tube preamp. But....its just really to heavy for me to move around by myself. And yes I do go to the gym. Also it does put out some heat which is not the coolest thing in Florida. Any ideas on an amp that would be a good substitute for the 30.8's would really be appreciated.  My listening prefernces lean toward transparency and holographic instrument presentation. Thank all of you for your help and direction on my question. Best wishes to all for a healthy, safe and peaceful New Year.

char1
dynamiclinearity
258 posts
 

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.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 

NAIM

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

peach-1
25 posts
 

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

 

 

lancelock
1,093 posts
 

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

chorus
976 posts
 

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

 

More to discover