Does Threshold equal newer amp designs?

Many of the Threshold / Forte' products built and designed by Nelson Pass EASILY surpass much of the "common" gear of today. One can easily pick up used gear from the above brands for $350 - $650 that will literally slap current amplifiers costing up to $3K silly. There are exceptions to this though, so don't think that i find these amps "unbeatable". For the money though, these amps offer some of the sweetest, airiest, most detailed (yet not hard or bright) sounding amps that "reasonable" money can buy. I have owned over 40+ amps in the last couple of years and still keep coming back to some of these as being my favorites. Spending more for the more expensive / bigger models starts to run into the land of "diminishing returns". Having said that, I still hope to one day own a pair of "updated" SA-12 Monoblocks. Sean >

Sean, Plsl hit BINGO on the head. You guys deserve a Cubian Cigar. But no smoking in the audio room. When it comes to analog equpiment, like power amps. There is no need to run out for the newest model. It's like a 50 yr. old Swiss watch. Certain ones are classics and fit under the word "vintage". And then there are some not so good ones. Threshold SA/1's, SA/2's and SA/12's are definitely Vintage. I honestly have not heard better sounding amp over all with the SA/1's; and I've had a number of people tell me the same. And of course I played the game and had about 40 different amps the last 20 years. Including the Pass X-600s, and recently had a Classe' Omege. These two amps are very nice . But they lack "finess". Not getting into details with the SA/1's because I can write a book. The SA/1's have a very unique sound for solid state. The SA/1's have passion , character and warm tones. Where today's amps are lacking that passion of the music, intricate of detail and finess. For the people who have to go out and spend +$30K to try to match the performance of those amps mentioned, ....well good luck. We are not dealing with the latest and greatest home computer - bigger hard drives , increased memory , more ram, etc. The design of the SA/1's is close to being a perfect design if there is such an animal. Just ask Nelso Pass himself about the SA/1's.

Any information regarding these 500 Watt monoblock monsters?
Servicing? When Built? Upgrades? Cables? 2nd hand value? etc.
Currently using with B&W 801s and Kimber Powerchords.
Live in UK nothing like this available near us!!!!!

I have used the Threshold S300 for over ten years and am about to acquire a mint S550e (see earlier thread from me). I have not had nearly as much experience with other amps as some of the writers here, but I used the Mac 352 as a comparison before buying the s550e. I liked the s550 e better. It could be just a Threshold bias, but I really like the strength of the s550e and is just seems effortless in the other regions. To me, it is really revealing without being harsh. And, I think the Pass designed Threshold pieces will always be sought after. Compared to comparable new quality, they are a bargain. Hope this helps.

Some lean toward the 'musical' camp, and some towards the 'detail' camp. Threshold, Classe, Rowland, tend to be 'musical' ss amps. While Krell, Mark Levinson represent the 'detail' camp. It depends on your associated equipment as to what you choose. I'm using a Threshold T 400 currently, IMHO, you can not beat this amp for under $2K. I tend to prefer the older models though, for instance, I felt the Levinson 23.5 was better built, and sounded better than the 33_ series. I also felt that the Classe DR-9 sounded better than the CA-200. I like the older Krells better too. Maybe I'm just nostalgic, or maybe they don't make 'em like they used too.