2. amps-preamps
  3. 137240-20253

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 sfseay

sfseay's avatar
sfseay
496 posts
 
To put all Class D amps in the same category or believing they have the same sound characteristics is just ignorant. I have listened to many Class D amps and have owned five different ones. Almost all of them retailed for over $3500.00 and not one of them sounded dull, lifeless or without soul.

I’ll put my Esoteric I-03 Integrated Class D amp up at the top of the heap of all Class D amps I have heard and just about every A/B amp I have heard too. I bought a gently used Mark Levinson No 585 Integrated earlier this year and sold it because the I-03 sounded better in my system and to my ears.

Having said all that, I still use and very much enjoy my Pass Labs INT-30A Integrated Class A amp.
More to discover