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 7 responses by erik_squires

Yep. I'm listening to Class D right now. Of the brands mentioned, I'd only move to Ayre if I had the money. If I had to consolidate even further, I might go with an Arcam integrated. :) 

Best,

E
@helomech - Maybe it helps that the speakers I was comparing with are super easy to drive, especially in the treble. 

I've never heard Parasound amps sounding thin either. A touch on the warm side, and as much bass as the recording has. 

My Class D amps are OEM modules stuffed into Chinese cases, nothing special. But I had a number of audiophiles over, including one who lives with a Pass stack. None felt the need to comment on the sound of the amps. :) 

Best,

Erik 
kalali - Well, Ayre remain my favorite SS amps, even if pretty much unobtainable for me. :) 

Best,

E
@tomic601 

you lost me when in another thread you called Ayre dark........far far far from dark.....


Feel free to hold that against me until the end of days. :)
@helomech : I lived with Parasound Halo A23's (a pair fo them) for months. I built ICEPower ASP 250 based monoblocks. I could not tell them apart under any circumstances. Which is why I sold the Parasounds and kept the high efficiency monoblocks instead. 

@roxy54 - That is my experience as well, even with many speakers, many rooms and many different Pass amps.  Ayre IS very very smooth, and open. 
Hi @kw6 - 

They sound "weird." I don't have a better way to describe it. Also honestly a little thin and weak sounding. Which is a real shame because I wanted to like them. Aesthetically they are divine! 

Best,

E
@mr_bill - The integrated I heard was very nice, and IMHO along the lines of Ayre. 

@dweller - I haven't heard Krells in ages, not since B&W announced the original Nautilus.