2. amps-preamps
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I like my Peachtree Nova300 more than my new (to me) Pass XA30.5 HELP!

I recently acquired a Pass XA30.5.  I have a LTA MZ2 on order to match with it, but in the meantime, I hooked it up to the preamp section of my Peachtree Nova300 using SE inputs/outputs.  I have Tekton Electron SE speakers and a Cambridge Audio CXC transport.  I found the sound of the Pass to be wooly, rolled off on the highs and not as clear or articulate as the Peachtree as an integrated.  There was a richness and liquidity to the sound but I lost detail and fidelity.  Am I doing something wrong?  Is the preamp section in the Peachtree not a good match with the Pass amp?  Is using the SE outputs severely compromising the SQ? I've read so many great things about the Pass XA30.5 and though it sounded good, I was kind of disappointed.  There was a trade-off with the Peachtree that I don't think I'm willing to make.  Anyone have any pointers or thoughts?

thanks!
adam8179

Showing 3 responses by decooney

decooney
2,334 posts
 
@adam8179
Is the preamp section in the Peachtree not a good match with the Pass amp?

Possibly. And, not unusual. Not all integrated amps have great preamplifier sections in them. Retry with the MZ2, re-evaluate then.  And, is the XA-30.5 brand new or fully burned in, over 300hrs already?
decooney
2,334 posts
 
@adam8179
Yes, I'm not going to 'pass' judgment until I get a preamp that I know pairs well with the Pass amp.  I'm hoping that it's just a synergy thing.  The Peachtree pre section has an output impedance of 100 ohms.  Would that information have any bearing on whether or not it would play nice with the Pass?  decooney, I got the amp used from a guy who used it in his main system so I assume its well broken-in.  Don't know the number of hours though

Ok.  No joke, I've seen people use them 50 hours, not read the manual, put 'em in a closet, lose patience, change through 2 owners, and the 3rd owner with patience wins and gets the gold at 250-300hrs burn-in.     

Also, in this test case scenario you are not just adding the Nova preamp circuit, your adding a pair of interconnects into the mix now too, right?. Lower grade interconnects can also be poor tone and soundstage passive equalizers too.  In some cases completely taking the life out of the sound IF too veiled over.  Just another thought in comparison.   
decooney
2,334 posts
 
@tvad
Note the OP is using Tektron Electron SE loudspeakers, which are rated at 98.82dB/4ohms, so they seem to be in line with the high efficiency Tannoy and Klipsch loudspeakers on which you believe Pass Labs sound best.

I like PASS a lot, only with certain speakers and preamps.

Some of the better sounding setups I’ve heard with various Pass amps and Pass preamps was with lower 87-93db sensitivity, 6-8ohm speaker’s. A little more laid back, more musical - a much better match having sensitive hearing coming from SS to all tube now.

A few years ago spent a few hours on/off listening to some of the new Pass (.8) series amps during an audio show, paired up with very-well-known highly efficient 98db speakers. Being blunt, that room was by far one of the worst and least musical sounding systems in the entire show, IMO. Super fatiguing. Felt bad for the Nelson Pass’ life-size cardboard cutouts on display. No, it was not Nelson’s room. Someone else’s.

Recently sold two pairs of Cardas Gold Cross interconnects (extremely veiled over, rich) from my own solid state amps. Great match for some SS amps. Some PASS owners love them. Sold! The buyer needed them to take " a lot of the edge off " his new Pass amps with HIS particular speakers. Read up on Pass XP-10 vs. XP-20 preamps, and those commonly using really good TUBE preamps, combined with older Cardas - "Golden", "Cross" series IC cables to help SMOOTH things out, take the edge off in these same type of situations.

Speaker matching with Pass amps is key. Preamps matter too!
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