The closest you're going to get is probably the CJ Premier 350 if you can find one. The CA 200 will get you pretty close as well but again hard to find.. If you want to stay with Pass you're probably better sticking with the older Class A .5 series.
CJ 140lm monos vs pass x350.8
So my buddy let me borrow his CJ monoblocks. Running with bottlehead moreplay pre, denafrips terminator OG and NS5000. Initially I didn't like the CJs but after giving them about an hour to warm up they presented this addictive seductive golden midrange and very full weighty sound that drew me in.
The pass has better treble detail, extension and slightly bigger staging but CJ has denser rich more involving images. I honestly feel they are complementary amps and love them both.
Now the problem is I don't feel like paying $800 to re-tube the CJs every 2-3 years. Do you think there is an SS amp that would have that warm romantic sound like the CJ so that way I can just use that and I don't have to re-tube.
So far I am thinking something from accuphase.. maybe vintage. Or maybe prior gen luxman. Coda no 8 or 16? And finally but probably won't do this because of price would be dartzeel.
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If you can demo the AtmaSphere GaNFET monos, you might find that they hit that middle ground you are looking for. I had a X250.8 and replaced it with an XA30.8 after selling my power hungry Magicos. I found the XA30.8 had more of the ’midrange and very full weighty sound’ compared to the 250.8, but the latter had more treble extension and better bass/dynamics as one would expect. I’m not sure how those two compare to the 350.8. I recently purchased the AtmaSphere monos and have finally had some time to compare them with the XA30.8 and I actually find they are darker and fuller sounding than the Pass... It’s next to impossible to play something and make them sound harsh! They do give up some treble extension to the XA30.8 (so maybe two steps away from the X series then) but have way better bass than the XA30.8 (and likely my 250.8) with their high damping factor. If you like the sound of tubes but want some of the benefits of SS, these are definitely worth a listen... Search for them here:
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@marco1 Good tip on 0.5 series. I was reading on WBF that 0.5 series is richer and has more 'soul'. Apparently XS Series combines the detail and clarity of 0.8 but the midrange euphonics of 0.5. But of course XS is pricey. |