@bruce19 thanks for the suggestion, but FirstWatt doesn't have an integrated and the reason why I got the INT-25 was to simplify the system.
I really want to stay with an integrated...
Pass INT-25, split decision and maybe option?
I recently bought a used INT-25 to drive my PureAudioProject Trio15Classic. I have never been so torn by an amp as by this one! On one hand the details are addictive, but on the other hand, the details can be so distractive that I struggle to listen to the music. The INT-25 does do space really well and that’s definitely something I love and look for in an amp. I do miss some of the midrange magic and the warmth that a tube amp brings as well.
At this point, I’m not sure the INT-25 is going to stay. There’s so many things I love about it, but other things that distracts me from listening to the actual music.
I also miss some of the warmth that tubes bring. Is there such a thing as an integrated tube (or hybrid) that retains all the strength of the INT-25, but adds the midrange magic and warmth of the tube amp? Don’t mind if I lose some of the distracting details in the recording, but don’t want to give up too much of that. The PAP's do like a bit of power (the INT-25 is definitely sufficient), so low power SET's are not likely where I'd go.
Showing 11 responses by audiojan
@bjesien I don't think the source or cables are limiting anything,.. the source is PS Audio AirLens (via i2s) into a DirectStream Sr (modified). All analog cables are SilverSmith Fidelium and so are the speaker cables. I've been using this setup for years and extremely happy with it.
If I use my little backup amp, Luxman SQ-N150, the sound is very sweet and you can listen for hours, but it's definitely a bit underpowered (you can hear compression at louder passages even if you keep the volume control moderate).
In the perfect world, I would find something like the SQ-N150 but with the power and (most of the) details of the Pass (and the bass of the Pass). |
I'm pretty set on keeping my Silversmith Fidelium cables. Of all the cables I've tried over the years (and they're quite a few and almost all more expensive than the Silversmith's), these the most neutral, detailed, yet smooth cables I've tried. Same goes for the digital front end. Replacing the PS Audio DirectStream Sr (with multiple modifications) would cost way more than replacing the amp. Also, I'm not going back to separates again. I've had some many over the years and the simplicity of an integrated is getting more appealing the older I get.
So I'm either going to stay with the INT-25 (and there's a lot that I love about it!) or I'm going to a tube integrated (and there's a lot I love about tubes).
I do appreciate all the input and options offered up. |
https://pureaudioproject.com/classic15-open-baffle-speakers-by-pureaudioproject/
Scroll all the way down to the end of the page and you'll find:
MORE TECHNICAL DATA
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I may have discovered why this INT-25 is not working well... to get to a volume that's about conversational, I need to turn the volume up to 50 (the volume goes to 63). I borrowed a new INT-25 from my local dealer (their tech is out, otherwise he could've looked at it) and on that unit at about 30 it was quite a bit louder than conversational.
Could it be that I simply struggle with the amp because of a gain issue?! |
The INT-25 has been returned. It was just not working correctly. I truly tried everything I could think of to make it work, but I'm sure there's something wrong with the gain stage of the amp. With efficient speakers, I shouldn't be able to say in the room with full output of the INT-25, yet I barely hit 90dB at that point. DAC was set at full output (tried both fixed full output at 96, which is max, and variable output which then goes to 100, both set to High output) and nothing... Tried a phono stage (Andover SpinStage) which has an output of 71dB with the Shelter 501 (according to Andover, hence for most applications, I use inline attenuators which I removed for testing of the INT-25), but even with this I couldn't get the volume much more than 90dB at full output. I spoke to Pass Labs and they're just as stumped as I was as to why it doesn't get loud enough.
I also think this is the root cause why I was so indecisive with this amp to start with... loved certain things about it, but it was lacking something. Bet that was the super low gain in the front end of it... |
@decooney it was used, but I did talk to Pass Labs technical support and they were as stumped as me |