Amplfiers that Sound like Pass 30.8 that are not so heavy

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).

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QL Prestige 3 - IMPEDANCE