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Ayre <--> Parasound <--> Pass : where are you?

I’ve been thinking a little bit about three different types of SS amplifier sounds. I’m not really sure what to call them, but I have a definite preference. Here is the spectrum in my mind:

Ayre <--> Parasound <--> Pass 

On the one hand is Ayre and Arcam. Yeah, fight me, but there are big similarities to the sound. I also loved the Pono and what it did for my IEMs, using the Ayre designed output stage. I wish Fiio would license it too.

In the middle is Parasound Halo and ICEpower Class D modules (I’ve owned both) which to me are identical in sound quality. Clearly I’m happy with them for the price!

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Pass. A sound I really don’t like.

But regardless of which you like, what do you think the differences are?

What spectrum do you use to think about solid state amplifiers??
erik_squires

Showing 1 response by 1graber2

1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
OK, lets cut to the chase ...
the Pass 250 is like .... the TOTL, top of the line ...
to say it is thin is not accurate, and If so, I would look to your other components, b/c the Pass is not to blame.

I just heard the Pass 250 in 2-3 rooms at CAS last month, and it sounded like the cleanest, most accurate, most musical and intimate sound even with the Dynaudio Contour 60s. I say this b/c the Contours dont produce the type of distortion that lends to a gravity or "fullness" of the music like a tube amp does. And therefore, even without hamonic distortions, the Pass 250 sounded real, present, natural and effortless. 
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