Pass Labs Int-30a or Naim 282- 250 combo


I have finally decided to move from an all Tube set up to a solid state set up. I am currently using a Thor Pre-amp and Rogue m-150 mono blocks to drive my cremona auditors. Due to both changing tastes and lifestyle I am moving away from tubes.

After auditioning various brands my two favorites in my price range were the Pass Labs Int- 30a using a berkeley alpha dac or I am considering the Naim 282+ 250 with Hi-Cap using the Naim dac. While I had to hear them at two separate dealers, they both sold cremona auditors and had them hooked up with the sub.

I am not sure which direction to go and in some ways these could not be more opposite brands. I am looking for guidance and advice, yet I know that in some ways its got to be emotional and come from some gut instinct.

I am looking for electronics that will accurately play the music that is present without much color. I want to hear what is recorded. Yet at the same time I want to ensure an enjoyable experience.

With the Pass Labs audition I really liked its engaging feeling as well as the soundstage and the presentation. Yet with the Naim I liked how tight the bass control was and how well defined the music was. In some ways I enjoyed the Pass Labs more it was muscial, well controlled, and engaging, yet for some reason I keep on coming back to the Naim, not sure if its because I am supposed to like it or it really left an impression--which was tightness, rhythm, etc.

I am not sure which way to go. I would really appreciate some guidance from all of the experts on AudioGon (I am still relatively new).

jlaz

Showing 3 responses by thesoundhouse

Both amps you described do have differing sound presentations, Buy the one you enjoyed listening to the most. The so called experts on Audiogon do not have to live with your purchase. Buy the one you liked the most. That being said both are fine amps and will serv you well. I have a Pass Labs X350.5 and an XP 10 pre-amp and I like the musical sound of the Pass amps but had a similar impression on the bass. I solved my bass issuses with a Purist Audio Designs Dominus Ferox filled Power cord with Oyaide ends that I purchased here on Agon. It set me back $850.00 but it gave me the deep fast tight & defined bass I was looking for. I was able to keep the musical sound and get the bass right and that made my system even more musical. Also keep in mind some amps work better with certian speakers. It is all synergy.
I am extremely happy with XP 10 and X 350.5. There are not very many amps that sound as good that can drive my Apogee speakers which have a 2.7 ohm nominal load. As for the power cord it is the wierdest thing that power cords could have such a profound effect on the sound of my system. I do not know what it is, I tried many different powercords before settling on this one. My friend own's an audio store so that helped and I rented several from the Thecableco.com. Each cord had a profound effect (Good & Bad) I think these fancy power cords work as a filters and clean up the power.