This is a case where an audition of the Cary 211 parallel SET with the Sasha is a must before purchasing. In the Stereophile review cited by George , Art Dudley said his Shindo 25 watt tube amplifier was really quite special driving these speakers and this combo made beautifull music. However the Shindo amplifier is push pull and may also utilize NFB.
On paper I’d have to agree strongly with George and Al, the Pass Labs seems the more appropriate amplifier given the Sasha’s impedance characteristics. Zero NFB SETs can be marvelous but they must be mated to a compatible speaker. If you’re unable to audition the Cary with your Sasha, IMO the Pass Labs is by far the safer and wiser choice
Charles, . |
Hi Al,
You are correct, it does transition to class B to provide more power and SET amplifiers certainly aren't capable of a differential balanced circuit. I don't know why I overlooked those two glaring factors. What is fascinating is the reviewer (Mr. Dudley) said based purely on listening the 25 watt Shindo was so pleasing with the Shasha. You'd never imagine this outcome possible given the speaker's load demands. He did also find the 400 watt Electrocompaniet amplifier an excellent choice as well. Based on specifications alone the Shindo would ( justifiably so) be ruled out as a suitable amplifier candidate. Audio is such an intriguing endeavor.
Charles, |
Hi Bo,
The OP wrote "I love Sasha" so clearly he's quite happy with these speakers. I appreciate that you aren't enamored with them but that's besides the point in this case. He just wants a good amplifier match for them.
Charles, |
Hi ricred1,
I do understand the point you and Bo are making, it can be said truthfully that Wilsons aren't suited for everyone (no speaker is). I'm just accepting that the OP has sorted this out and has determined however the Sasha is the best speaker choice for him. All of this is a pure demonstration of the nature of subjectivity. You became dissatisfied with the Sasha but the OP loves them.
Charles, |
Bo,
I share your viewpoint in regard to difficult to drive and fussy speaker attributes. Horses for courses as they say.
C, |
Yes, the OP has made it clear that the Sasha is ideal for him and his choice should be respected. Bo you make some good observations regarding 2 dimensional vs 3 dimensional sound capabilities of audio equipment. I suggest that you initiate a separate thread on this topic.
Charles, |
Yes, I referenced Art Dudley's review in an earlier post. Very interesting insights.
Charles, |
alfs100,
It seems that the question has been answered. On paper the Pass Labs XA 100.8 is the better choice given the documented challenging speaker load impedance characteristics of the Sasha. It has also been acknowledged that actually listening to the amplifiers driving the Sasha is the only way to truly determine which is better sounding.
The OP could prefer the Cary 211 to the Pass once he’s heard both despite the apparent Pass advantage if judged solely on known measurement and specifications and then extrapolating from that information. What else is there to say? He’ll have to listen to both amplifiers for a definitive answer. What more can a forum provide for a subjective topic?
Charles, |
Congratulations!
Early in this thread much caution was expressed toward use of the Cary 211 push pull tube amplifier and for very legitimate reasons. Georgelofi and Almarg rightly noted the Sasha’s specifications and difficult speaker load characteristics. Although I cited the Stereophile review by Art Dudley who said that the Sasha was superb with the 25 watt tubed Shindo amplifier, there still was ample reason to be skeptical about choosing the Cary. Particularly knowing that it is a no NFB design amplifier to boot.
On paper judging the available specifications you’d think that the Cary to be a risky option with a good chance of a poor sonic outcome. Once again nothing beats actually listening to reach a verdict regarding the suitability of an audio product. One could argue that perhaps the Pass amplifier would have been equally good or even better. Moot point at this juncture, the Cary and Wilson pairing is "incredible " in your opinion and that’s the bottom line. I’m very happy for your fabulous results . I suspect that this combo of amplifier and speakers will keep you pleased for many years.
Charles, |
Orionpcgames's comments from 07/13/2016 would suggest anything but frustration and wasting money. To the contrary he's "-extremely "happy" with his current system. He used the words incredible, fantastic and magic. Seems to me he's ecstatic with his sonic results.
Charles, |
Hi Dave, I don’t understand your comment. He just purchased the Cary amplifiers and expressed his joy in the updated post on 07/13. Charles, |
