Disappointment with Pass Labs - I'm looking for something else


Hello, I am new to this forum and my mother tongue is not English, so please forgive me if I make mistakes as I use a translator.

I recently bought an XA30.8 and an XP12. I was very happy but as time went by I began to not feel comfortable with the sound.
After doing many tests, I find that the XA30.8 sounds very very sweet but actually too much. I find it to be a loosely defined amp, somewhat muddy and lacks a lot of air and grip. The soundstage is very closed.

The XP-12 is the worst of the two. It is a previous that removes a lot of resolution and information, without transient attacks and sunken mid frequencies. Instead it brings warmth.

Has anyone of you found the same?

If you ask me, I have a Klipsch Cornwall and a dCS BArtok.

Now I want a capable amp, forceful, something warm, decisive, airy and with a great soundstage.

At first I thought of changing my XA30.8 for X250.8, and changing the XP-12 for a second-hand Audio Research Ref5. I am afraid of this change and continue with Pass, since I can go back to the same thing a bit.

On the other hand I have thought of going for a Luxman 900 combo, since it has very good reviews and from what I have read it could be the winning ticket.
opm

Showing 1 response by cshadow

It sounds like the Klipsch and Pass just don't get along.  

I've been battling with different amps for the past few years and have gone from Krell, to Musical Fidelity, to Hegel and have landed on Coda.  

Check out the Coda offerings.  The continuum TS, or the 8, can be configured with an 18 watt class A bias and is neutral/ slightly warm sounding.  The only difference between the two - one has meters and the other doesn't.  I have the TS and see no reason to upgrade unless I win a lottery. Below is a great review  

https://hometheaterreview.com/coda-technologies-continuum-no-8-stereo-amplifier/

If your budget allows the next step up (and it is a HUGE step up) check out the Coda 16.  I have not heard it, but if you are thinking of new speakers and amp, it may be a consideration.   

http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/coda-technologies-16.0-amplifier-by-terry-london

Good luck!