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 snapoli2

I don't think anything it wrong with your amp - I think you're just not digging it. I think Steve Huff nailed it when he said synergy. I have Pass gear. Ive gone through 2 INT-60's - I HATED the first one and sold it, and Im a fan of class A ... I later purchased different speakers and re-purchased another 60 - and fell absolutely in love with it. It was a completely different experience and synergy. Ive had the INT-25 as well as the xa25 - I really enjoyed both - the XA25 sounded better at louder volumes (pending on pre of course - there it is again synergy) and the INT-25 sounds simply sublime at low to mid level listening - I found it aggressive when turned past 40. I've also owned a 30.8 and loved it - loud or soft. Im sure you've squared all this away by now but felt like chiming in. Best of listening.