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Burmester or Pass?

Hey guys just looking to bounce this off the community for some feedback...

I have an opportunity to grab a Burmester 911 Mk.3 or a Pass X350.8 -- both about the same price but the Burmester is 13yrs old (with apparently 10hrs usage if I am to believe what I'm told). Pass comes with factory warranty. We can throw in a pair of Bryston 28B3 monoblocks too, for sh*ts and giggles. Will be driving a pair of Focal Scala Utopia's.

The age + price of the 911 Mk.3 has me leaning toward the X350.8 right off the bat. The X350.8 seems to be getting lauded with accolades but the 911 is considered by many to be one of the best designs ever. The 911 seems overly expensive on paper... but it's about the sound in the end... that damping factor certainly has me intrigued.

Am I crazy to pass up on a 911 Mk.3? Or is the best bet to stick with the Pass? Just looking for some fellow enthusiast opinions...
degen
albertobat62's avatar
albertobat62
1 posts
 

Just my Opinion dear friends,but with Focal La Scala,between Burmester and Pass,there are many different.If you like high details,speed and huge control ( too much for me ),go a head with Burmester.If you prefer Airness,Musicality,Fullness in Harmonics,move to Pass Labs.I I had Burmester and Spectral in the past and few months ago I move to Pass Labs for this reasons.I don’t care HIFI suond,but I prefer Human suond ( as we are ! )

hr1's avatar
hr1
125 posts
 

Burmester Amp are very superior in terms of sound, build quality and timeless design than Pass. Pass amps did NOT worth the money for the sound and overall quality offered; parts used in their electronics are very cheap and low quality. 3 friends of mine moved after a proper comparison from Pass (XA 160.6, XA 200.5 and INT 250) to Burmester (911 Mk3, 911 Mk3 in monos, 032). Burmester gears are in a superior league and their sound is really outstanding.

The Burmester 911 Mk3 is a very special power amp. One of very few best amp ever made.

silvaup4
3 posts
 

Burmester 911 mk3 all hands down. I am surprised, sonically, you would compare it with Pass which is great but much stronger bass, but slower and muddier comparing to the jaw-dropping Burmester power amps. 
I can understand if you hesitate among the same grade of amps like Gryphon, Goldmund, Boulder etc. That would be a tougher choice then. 

koslekt1's avatar
koslekt1
82 posts
 

I am a huge Burmester fan and have owned the 911mk3. I've also had the Pass 60.8 and heard the 250.8 in a couple systems. Here is my take: the 911 is all about dynamics and control - look at the damping factor! The preamp absolutely has to be the very best to have the 911 sound good. If you tend to enjoy PRaT, I'm not sure how a 911 can be beat. One of the things Pass does better, IMO, is allow the notes to decay naturally, and add a little more relaxation to the music. They are also more forgiving of ancillary equipment.  And of course Pass service is top notch,  so there is that. They each have their flavor and i think it depends on what is most important to you. Either way, you'll be getting a sweet amp!

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