2. amps-preamps
  3. 192781-192661

Mac MA 352 vs Pass INT-60

I've had an order in for the Mac MA 352 for 3 months and supposedly it's coming shortly.   I wanted the tube front end but now I've got an option since I no longer think I need a balance control and I just found a really good deal for a new Pass INT-60. I'm running these, hopefully, into KEF R7 Metas at 88 dB.  I figure the Pass is adequate into those 4 ohm speakers in my 25x14 space. I also figure the Pass has as much tube-like quality with likely a better high end than the Mac. If price is not a factor, what do you think?  The Pass is a beast, but I can deal with that, and my first real amp was a Threshold 400A.  I have some worry about current delays in Mac serviceability also.  :)

128x128howardlee
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,314 posts
 

Go for the Int-60. With your speakers it will most likely rarely exit out of its 30W Class A bias. Pass is warm and luscious sounding and should be a nice match with the Kefs. 

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,692 posts
 

Pass Labs is a no brainer in this case. 

koestner
673 posts
 

I have an MA352 and I feel if you want the "tube" sound, then the Mac will deliver it more than the Pass.

dwest1023
226 posts
 

I have owned the pass 60 and I own the Mac 352. With the stock tubes the pass sounds more tuby. The pass 60 is a phenomenal sounding amp. I traded it for my Pass 250. In a lot of ways I like the sound of it better. The 60 has a very warm sound that is very engaging. The Mac 252 is more like the sound of tubes than the 352. The pass 60 also sounds a lot more powerful than the 352. Keep in mind, the pass 60 gets very hot. Hotter than my 250. Good for winter, not so much in summer. I have 4 integrated amps, and my pass only gets, in rotation in winter. 

wilchow
1 posts
 

About a year ago, I purchased an INT-60 and drove one of the not-easy speakers (Sonus Faber Electa Amator v.1) with 4 ohms and not a pair of high-sensitive speakers. It has been doing great, and I enjoy the music coming out. With the meter on INT-60, it hardly gets into the AB zone until I play music with a lot of bass and loud. 

Build quality is as good as my old ML #20. 

More to discover