I thought I was having a problem with my Pass Labs X150 amp. Had some distortion on the right channel. So I decided to pull out a Crown XLS 1000 amp I was intending to use for pro audio. I am surprised how good this little amp sounds. Almost thought about selling the Pass amp, it is that good.
I listened to the Crown for two days and appreciated how well it presents the sound stage, imaging, nice natural warmth in the mids, bass nice and tight and clean, with a somewhat subdued high end.
Curious, I hooked up the Pass amp again to find out the little XLR copper jumper was dirty and cleaning it made the distortion go away.
After letting the Pass amp warm up again, I have to say it does sound better than the Crown. The cymbals now have a see though quality the Crown amp tends to smear a bit. The Pass amp had much better drive to the music (current output?). The bass seemed fuller. Not sure if the crown amp is just a little more detailed through the midrange, possibly. The Crown seems a little warmer through the mids which I like, but overall the Pass is a better amp and not going into the Audiogon classifieds. The Crown amp is spectacular for the $$$. I don't believe you can do better for the bucks with these dollars. I was hoping it was better than my Pass amp so I could pocket the extra change and apply those funds to more upgrades! Won't happen. I am running Eminent Technology VIII speakers with upgraded caps, a Supratek tubed preamp, and a Schiit Dac. The rest of the system is up to par to easily identify any changes in my system. Even power cord changes make a significant change in sound. (not to open that can of worms!)
I listened to the Crown for two days and appreciated how well it presents the sound stage, imaging, nice natural warmth in the mids, bass nice and tight and clean, with a somewhat subdued high end.
Curious, I hooked up the Pass amp again to find out the little XLR copper jumper was dirty and cleaning it made the distortion go away.
After letting the Pass amp warm up again, I have to say it does sound better than the Crown. The cymbals now have a see though quality the Crown amp tends to smear a bit. The Pass amp had much better drive to the music (current output?). The bass seemed fuller. Not sure if the crown amp is just a little more detailed through the midrange, possibly. The Crown seems a little warmer through the mids which I like, but overall the Pass is a better amp and not going into the Audiogon classifieds. The Crown amp is spectacular for the $$$. I don't believe you can do better for the bucks with these dollars. I was hoping it was better than my Pass amp so I could pocket the extra change and apply those funds to more upgrades! Won't happen. I am running Eminent Technology VIII speakers with upgraded caps, a Supratek tubed preamp, and a Schiit Dac. The rest of the system is up to par to easily identify any changes in my system. Even power cord changes make a significant change in sound. (not to open that can of worms!)