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AMPS: PM2000 or Pass X5 or ?

I am assembling what I consider to be my 'last' audio system for a looong time, and I have a bit of a dilemma on the amplifier.

My existing system has a Pass Aleph 3, along with EAD transport and DAC, and Sonic Frontiers preamp, to Hales Concept 3 speakers. My new system is a HT/music system that has an EAD TVP, EAD TM Signature, and an EAD PM1000. (I'm still waiting on delivery of the TM Sig)

Unfortunately, I think I am not satisifed with the performance of the PM1000, and am thinking about moving up to a 'better' amp for this system. The problem is that I am spoiled by the Aleph 3! The PM1000 just isn't as smooth or as clean as the Aleph 3, and I want my 2-channel listening to be better than it is right now. The PM1000 also suffers from an audible hisssss when turned on (not the hummm that comes from power interference).

So, my question is can anyone give me a fair review of the PM2000 compared to the Pass X5, or, compared to an X150 and X3 combo?

In this price range, what other amps would you suggest that are good HT amps, but more importantly, excellent 2-channel amps? I'm in a place where there is no high end audio/HT stores, so I need to do some elimination of options before I go out to try out some amps in the nearest city (Philadelphia, 4 hours away).

One thought that I had was to buy a second Aleph 3, and an Aleph 5, and run the whole system off Alephs. However, I am concerned that the Alephs are not dynamic enough for HT listening.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
mjm6

Showing 1 response by quinntheeskimo

quinntheeskimo
20 posts
 
First comment is to Avdcreations: how can you be a Pass dealer and not know about the X3? Hmmmmm. To enlighten you, the X3 is a 3-channel power amplifier built on the same chassis as the X150 and the X5. It delivers 150 watts into 8 ohms all channels driven, and was designed to mate with the X150 to deliver a multi-channel package with extreme musical fidelity. Pass has been delivering them since last fall.

To answer Michael: The Aleph series amps can be characterized as being as close to a tube sound without having any tubes in the circuit and none of the service problems that typically plague tube designs. They have a midrange characteristics that is lush, full and detailed. The high end is silky smooth with never a trace of hardness or edge. The bass is full and extended. The sound stage is wide and deep. The X series amplifiers can be characterized as ultra quiet and dynamic. They have power and authority and can deliver additional power below 4 ohms, unlike their pure class A counterparts in the Aleph series. The midrange is smooth and detailed as the Aleph, but not quite as lush. It is difficult to distinguish the highs between the Aleph and X series. The bass is deep, controlled and dynamic, and the X series amps are quite versatile with a wide range of loudspeakers, being stable into any speaker load.

Information from a Pass Labs fan.

Best regards,

Quin
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