I can's speak about Pass Int-250, although I had always wanted to try one, but I can certainly tell you that you will be very happy with an MSB DAC.
I could only afford their entry level, the Discrete, and it's an excellent DAC. I have tried over a dozen DACs over the past few years, and by far, MSB is the best for me, and don't feel the need to upgrade now, since I bought it. And if I ever decided to upgrade the DAC, would still be for a MSB, the Premier. Unfortunately, the price doubles from one model to the next, tough pill to swallow |
Yeah, it's the Discrete version of the MSB that I'm purchasing. It's pricey enough. But I read that the Discrete has 80% of the performance of the more expensive models. I heard the Discrete through some gorgeous sounding amps (Gryphon D300, Luxman 509x, NAIM Supernait 3, Simaudio 340ix, VAC 700i, Hegel H390, and Pass int 60) and it improved the SQ of every amp I auditioned. Gotta have one. The int 250 and MSB Discrete should be a match made in heaven. |
If you get the Discrete, I recommend opting for the second (optional) discrete power supply. |
Thank you for the recommendation!! |
Well, kudos to those who feel able to spend $10,000-$20,000 on a DAC. $20,000 is more than I spent on my entire system, and everyone I know thinks I am a nut about high-end audio. The Pass X-250.8 is reasonable by comparison. It can be had brand new for a mere $10,000. Demos are available for $7K.
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The OP is looking for an Integrated Amp. Not an amp |
Luxman 505UXII w/a NAD C658 streamer. The streamer also includes Dirac for room correction. For your Rega P3 the Luxman has an excellent MM/MC phono.
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Luxman 505UXII w/a NAD C658 streamer. The streamer also includes Dirac for room correction. For your Rega P3 the Luxman has an excellent MM/MC phono.
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Just sold my INT250 and bought the Luxman 509X and couldn’t be happier. While the PL can drive anything you could have effortlessly, something about its performance seemed a bit dry. The Luxman, by comparison, to my ears, is one of the most musical Amps I have ever heard. Additionally, the Luxman has a gorgeous built-in phono stage and a headphone output jack, and.....is significantly lighter. The Luxman drives a pair of Harbeth 40.2 speakers. |
I should add that I don’t stream. Old school: Otari R2R, TT, and SACD. |
I auditioned the 509x and, strangely enough, I found it didn’t really grab me as much as some of the other amps I tried...Simaudio 340ix, VAC 700i, Pass int 60, NAIM Supernait 3, Hegel H390, and Gryphon D300. My top two picks out of that bunch (to my ears) were the D300 and Pass Labs int 60. I also really liked the Supernait 3. Another outstanding amp.
ALL of these amps were amazing in their own way (including the 509x). But I liked the Pass Labs int 60 so much (especially through the MSB) I called and talked to Kent at Pass Labs. We visited about the int 60 vs int 250. They have very similar sonic personalities but they're not exactly alike. I’ve not actually auditioned the int 250, but Kent suggested the int 250 vs the int 60 for the type of music I listen to most (bluegrass and small combo jazz) due to the percussive attack of the acoustic instruments in those genres. The int 250 loves percussive music. Furthermore, Kent’s wife is a serious mandolinist so I think Kent knows something about what he’s talking about. Don’t get me wrong...I think the 509x is one of the best integrated amps money can buy. But the int 250 will likely fit my application better. Anyway, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. |
I noticed a nice Int-250 for sale here on Audiogon for $7,500 asking @audiofound |
Yeah, I’ve had to pass up (no pun intended) some great buys. And not just amps. But I can’t purchase anything til January anyway. Since the int 250 is actually a custom made amp for each customer, except for demos, I’m committed to my dealer. I would be whether it’s required or not. My dealer’s been so good and so helpful to me. Besides, I know I could exchange it if I didn’t like it. But thanks for the heads up. |
That’s a great way to approach any purchases! Best of luck and please keep us informed in January |
Waiting for my INT-250 to be delivered.
Output to Sopra 2 Focal .
Input NDX2 + Innuos Zen MkIII
Can't wait.
The demo was superb. Way better than the Diablo 300 that was on paper and after first audition before listening to the PL my first choice.... |
@audiosgp, what was it that you didn't like about the Diablo 300?
On paper, and based on online reviews, I would easily pick the Diablo. |
@audiosgp, what was it that you didn't like about the Diablo 300?
On paper, and based on online reviews, I would easily pick the Diablo.
Yeah I'd like to know that too! Cheers George |
I think the Diablo is almost "too neutral / too transparent".
Fantastic sound. Don't get me wrong. But lack a bit of presence or stage.
I have the feeling of listening at a good recording. Not a good performance.
Good tracks sound good. Bad tracks sound bad. Very clinical.
Not the way i like to listen to music. I need the feel. Not only the cleanliness.
Probably link to the speakers (Focal Sopra 2) that are enhancing the above.
INT-250 at home since yesterday.... Love it already. |
Thank you @audiosgp1, appreciate the feedback.
Congrats on the INT-250 as well. |
